Ionia County CTE Newsletter
Career & Technical Education in Ionia County
Wrapping Up a Wonderful Year
As we wrap up another great year at the Ionia County Career Center, we are proud to celebrate the growth, accomplishments, and future plans of our students. It has been exciting to watch our seniors prepare for new adventures after graduation while our juniors begin looking ahead to their senior year and future career goals.
This year, many students are leaving the Career Center with valuable certifications and credentials, a clearer vision for their career paths, and meaningful connections and opportunities that will help shape their futures. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing what comes next for each of them.
SkillsUSA Results: Pohl Takes 2nd
The 2026 SkillsUSA results are in, led by Tristan Pohl, who secured 2nd place in Heavy Equipment Operation. Teammates Wesley Endres (6th), Cole Peterson (7th), and Xavier Rischow (8th) also earned top honors in the category.
In Diesel Equipment Technology, Matt Blanshan placed 8th, followed by Nelly Shippey (9th), Austin Grove (10th), and Trevor Castillo (15th).
Leadership placements for Cameron Reynolds, Garret Robinson, and Anoriah Rockwall are expected at a later date. Congratulations to all competitors!
Group of students who passed CNA certification.
Criminal Justice Students Visit Michigan State Police Training Academy
Our Criminal Justice students recently had the opportunity to visit the Michigan State Police Training Academy. During the visit, students received a firsthand look at academy training, explored careers in law enforcement, and gained valuable insight into the dedication and skills needed to serve and protect our communities.
Thank you to the Michigan State Police for providing this hands-on learning experience and inspiring the next generation of criminal justice professionals.
Ionia County Career Center Exploring AI to Better Serve Students and Community
We’re excited to announce that Ionia County Career Center has been selected as one of 14 districts nationwide to participate in the Rural AI Strategy Lab, led by All4Ed and FullScale.
This six-month experience brings together rural school teams to:
- Explore meaningful uses of AI in education
- Pilot new approaches grounded in local priorities
- Collaborate with peers across the country
- Share insights to support other rural communities
- Our team is looking forward to learning, experimenting, and helping shape thoughtful, responsible uses of AI that support our students, educators, and community.
Stay tuned as we share what we’re learning along the way, click here to
Educational Careers Students Attend State Early Childhood Conference
Students in our Educational Careers program recently attended the MIAEYC Conference at DeVos Place, where they had the unique opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Sonia Manzano, best known for her role as Maria on Sesame Street.
Throughout the conference, students explored professional exhibits, participated in specialized training sessions, and connected with leaders in the field of early childhood education. The experience provided valuable insight into the passion, professionalism, and dedication it takes to become a highly effective educator in Michigan.
Words of Wisdom from Mr. Paton
Pathfinder
Starting to think about what to do after high school? The newly updated Pathfinder can help you find more options than just college. Get started at Pathfinder.MiTalent.org.