Marion Regional Career Center student earns state Award for Excellence

Marion Regional Career Center student Jaden Hawkins, center, holds his Award for Excellence for Secondary CTE Students after the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet Awards for Excellence Program on May 10, 2022, in Indianapolis. At left is MRCC instructor Travis Hueston, and at right is MRCC Director Nate McNeely. (Photo provided by Marion Community Schools)

Marion Regional Career Center is proud to announce that one of its students was honored recently by the state for his outstanding work!

MRCC information technology student Jaden Hawkins is a recipient of the Award for Excellence for Secondary CTE Students. He was recognized at the annual Governor’s Workforce Cabinet Awards for Excellence Program, held this year on May 10 in Indianapolis.

The student that wins this award is chosen by a selection committee based on their performance at their CTE classes and their home high school. Jaden attends Oak Hill High School for half of his school day and takes advantage of the opportunity to attend MRCC the other half of his day.

Also in attendance at the awards ceremony were Jaden’s parents, MRCC Director Nate McNeely, and MRCC computer science instructor Travis Hueston.

“Career and Technical Education — CTE — is fun because it connects to student passion and hands-on learning, but it also takes hard work and dedication, which are two characteristics that Jaden has exemplified throughout his time with us,” Mcneely said.

Hueston, who has had the opportunity to teach Jaden for the last two years through the Computer Science: Programming pathway at MRCC, agreed, adding: “Jaden is very deserving of this award and I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for him.”

CTE classes at MRCC are open to students from around the region. Anyone who wants more information about MRCC programs can contact Mcneely at nmcneely@marion.k12.in.us or call 765-664-9091.