NCCC Celebrates Student Success at Honors Day 2026
The New Castle Career Center (NCCC) held its annual Honors Day on Friday, May 8, 2026. Honors Day celebrates outstanding graduating seniors and second-year students for their achievements across the NCCC’s 20 career programs.
“Today we celebrated our seniors and second year students along with their many achievements, successes, and accomplishments during our annual Honor Day,” shared April Williams, Career Counselor at NCCC.
Honoring Achievement and Growth
As an end-of-year tradition, Honors Day recognized the hard work students put in during the 2025–2026 academic term. The ceremony honored categories of achievement, including Outstanding Student, Most Improved, Leadership, and Perfect Attendance. Students also received recognition for industry-based certifications within the programs that can apply to their careers. Honors Day also included acknowledgement of Signing Day recipients, National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) members, Ivy Tech Early College credentials, and future military enlistments.
Preparing Students for the Future
Throughout the year, these NCCC students have been preparing for life after graduation. Many are completing industry certifications, completing work-based learning assignments, and developing essential career tools, such as resumes and cover letters. These experiences equip students with real-world skills that translate directly into employment, higher education, or military service.
Honors Day Outstanding Students
NCCC honored these outstanding students:
Building Trades: Timothy Knopp (BRV), Kale Michael (NCHS), Dawson Lawyer (SHS)
CDL: Carson Norris (NCHS)
Computer Operations: Ayden Hiner (Knightstown), Grey Williams (NCHS)
Cosmetology: Taylor Lumpkin (SHS)
Criminal Justice: Nathaniel Shafer (Knightstown), Katherine McCoy (NCHS)
Dental: Trenton Boughton (NCHS)
Education Professions: Anyah Amman (NCHS), Makayla Flynn (NCHS), Lexi Thomas (KHS)
EMT: Rachel Willis (New Castle)
Engineering & Robotics: Kaden Scott (New Castle), Kaden Byers (Knightstown)
Graphic Design: Raylynn Minton (NCHS), Dylan Edwards (NCHS)
Health Science I: Jarrett Helman (SHS)
Health Science Education II: Hannah Wittgren (EHHS), Jillian McCrobie (THS)
Interdisciplinary Cooperative Education: Emma Smalley (NCHS)
Mass Media: Icie Wright (BRV), Savannah Cross (Hagerstown)
Precision Machining: Caleb Lester (HHS)
Property & Facility Management: Bridget Winkle (Madison Grant Virtual), Matthew Laster (HHS)
Veterinary Science: Sophie Sutton (NCHS), Chloe Burton (NCHS)
Additional Honors and Scholarships
Halle Pruitt (HHS) received the Dental Leadership Award, and Landen Morrow (THS) received the EMT Most Improved Award. The Welding Most Improved Award went to Evan Bowlin (HHS) and the Cosmetology Most Improved Award went to Cynthia Richardson (NCHS).
Students Jarrett Helman and Declynn Davis each received a $500 scholarship from Versiti Blood Center in recognition of their volunteer efforts supporting NCCC blood drives.
Students Celebrate More Education Milestones
The day after this year’s celebration, an impressive 156 eligible students earned 214 diplomas and credentials from Ivy Tech.
“We are incredibly proud of the New Castle Career Center students who graduated from Ivy Tech Community College before graduating high school!” said Director Mackenzie Jackson. “This outstanding accomplishment reflects their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their future careers and education.”