The New Castle Career Center (NCCC) hosted its annual Signing Day at Henry County REMC on May 15, 2026. This ceremony honors students who are taking the next step from the classroom to their careers. At the Signing Day ceremony, these students are signing employment agreements and launching directly into the workforce.
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Director Mackenzie Jackson.
“These seniors are taking their hands-on experience and industry certifications to the next level as they begin their careers,” stated Jackson.
This year’s Signing Day featured students from a wide range of programs, including Machine Trades, Engineering, Welding, Building Trades, Dental Careers, Health Science Education, and Property & Facility Management. Each student recognized has committed to beginning their career immediately after graduation.
Signing Day Partnerships
Community partners continually support students through scholarships, workforce training, and employment opportunities. This year, special thanks were given to the Gene Haas Foundation and Taurus Tool for their contributions and scholarship support.
April Williams, CTE Counselor at New Castle Career Center, emphasized the importance of these partnerships: “Investing in students who enter the workforce directly after high school means more than preparing them for a first job. It means equipping them with real skills, real confidence, and real pathways so they can grow into lasting, meaningful careers.”
She also noted what made this year especially meaningful: “The number of repeat community partners that keep pouring into our Career Center students.”
Students Honored at Signing Day
Students were recognized by their instructors and future employers, highlighting the collaboration between education and industry.
Those honored included:
Precision Machining (Instructor: Jim Feltz)
Jacob Darling (KHS) – Magna Machine & Tool
Corbin Frost (THS) – NexGen
Kaden Stevens (THS) – NexGen
Quinten Fox (NCHS) – TS Tech
Caleb Lester (HHS) – TF&T
Welding (Instructor: Ronnie Perrin)
Lukus Frazier (THS) – Hoosier Feeder
Gabriel Sotelo (EHHS) – Hoosier Feeder
Health Science Education I (Instructor: Angie Talbott)
Calleigh Clayborn (NCHS) – The Willows of New Castle
Health Science Education II (Instructor: Melissa Spurgin)
Declynn Davis (THS) – Stonebrooke Rehabilitation Center
Dental Careers (Instructor: Cara King)
Trenton Boughton (NCHS) – Sadler and Ryan Orthodontics
Property & Facility Management / Building Trades (Instructors: John Richardson & Don Criswell)
Dencill Weir (KHS) - Laborers Union
Dawson Lawyer (SHS) - Laborers Union
Alexander Courtier (SHS) - Laborers Union
Daniel Hochstedler (KHS) - Laborers Union
Kale Michael (NCHS) - Carpenters Union
Looking Ahead
Through hands-on training and opportunities, New Castle Career Center continues to prepare students for long-term career success. The teachers, staff, and students of New Castle Career Center extend their sincere gratitude to all partners and supporters.