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EACC Connections

Spring 2025 Newsletter

EACC ConnectionsSpring 2025 Newsletter

Welcome! Welcome!

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Welcome to EACC Connections, the quarterly email newsletter from the Elkhart Area Career Center! Our goal with this newsletter is to keep you updated about events and opportunities at the EACC with news that is informative and quick to read.


Please be sure to follow our EACC Facebook page for day-to-day activity at the EACC and check out our EACC website for detailed information about our programs!

From Classroom to Courtroom – EACC Pre-Law Students in Action From Classroom to Courtroom – EACC Pre-Law Students in Action

On a typical Tuesday evening, while many teens are relaxing at home, Elkhart Area Career Center Pre-Law students Gavin Peachy and Autumn Weimer are putting their legal skills to the test – volunteering as defense and prosecution at Bashor’s Teen Court.

Teen Court is a diversion program that offers first-time youth offenders a second chance through rehabilitation rather than traditional sentencing. Instead of going through the formal court system, participants take responsibility for their actions and complete assigned consequences such as community service, counseling, or serving on the teen jury. A local attorney acts as the judge, volunteers serve as defense and prosecution, and a jury of past Teen Court participants determines sentencing recommendations.

EACC Pre-Law students play a critical role in the process, applying the knowledge and skills they’ve gained in R.J. Butler’s program. As volunteer defense and prosecution, they review case details, interview the defendant and their guardian, and present their cases in court.

On this particular evening, Gavin served as defense and Autumn as prosecution. Both received case files – including incident details and evidence photos – before meeting with the defendant to understand their background, discuss the offense, and prepare their arguments. In the courtroom, they presented their cases before the jury, who considered the impact of the offense and its consequences before delivering a recommendation.

For Gavin, this experience is more than just a class assignment—it’s a glimpse into his future. “This gives me a good foot in the door to see what I’ll be doing in the legal field,” he shared. “It’s a great opportunity to use my communication, interviewing, and public speaking skills. I want to do this for the rest of my life.”

Autumn, who is also active on her high school’s speech and debate team, finds Teen Court both challenging and rewarding. “I love this experience. It’s helping me build my people skills and my ability to have empathy,” she said. “It’s also a great way to connect with the community.”

This Work-Based Learning experience gives EACC Pre-Law students a unique opportunity to practice real-world legal procedures, strengthen their advocacy skills, and make a meaningful impact in their community. It’s more than just an exercise – it’s a direct application of their education in a setting where their work truly matters.


Thank you to Bashor for giving EACC's Pre-Law students this opportunity!

Pre-Law Program Information

  • This year, 20 EACC Pre-Law students will earn a Paralegal Studies Certificate from Ivy Tech Community College.


  • Learn more about the EACC's Pre-Law Program: EACC Pre-Law

Breaking Ground: Alexis Juarez Paves the Way as Criminal Justice Intern Breaking Ground: Alexis Juarez Paves the Way as Criminal Justice Intern

This year marks a significant milestone for the Elkhart Area Career Center’s Criminal Justice program – its first-ever hands-on internship experience. Alexis Juarez, a senior at EACC, is leading the charge as the first high school intern at the Cass County Sheriff’s Department, working under the guidance of her supervisor, Captain Jeff Johnson.


While the department has hosted college interns in the past, Alexis is the first high school student to take on this immersive opportunity. So far, she has received glowing reviews from department personnel. “She asks a lot of questions and really wants to learn,” Johnson shared. “That’s exactly what we want in an intern.”

For Alexis, the experience has been eye-opening. She has had the chance to shadow professionals in multiple roles – riding along on road patrols, working with dispatch, assisting in animal control, observing evidence management, and even spending time in courthouse security. The hands-on nature of the internship has solidified her passion for law enforcement. “I knew I wanted to do this, but I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect,” Alexis said. “Now that I’ve seen it firsthand, I’m even more excited.”


Her commitment to the field became even more tangible when she turned 18. On her birthday, she was able to begin working in the county jail, having already earned her corrections officer certification at EACC – an achievement that sets her apart from many newcomers to the profession.

Looking ahead, she has a clear plan for her future in law enforcement. After high school, she plans to join the county’s marine patrol unit, working weekends, holidays, and the summer to ensure boating safety on Cass County’s 100+ lakes. During the off-season, she intends to gain further experience in animal control while preparing for her ultimate goal: road patrol.


Alexis highly encourages other students to pursue internships, stating, “It’s not just about the physical experience, but also about developing an adult mindset. It makes you realize what you truly want and need in life.” One of her biggest takeaways? “It’s not like the movies. Everyone has their own way of doing things. There’s structure, but not everything is cookie-cutter.”

The tight-knit nature of Cass County’s sheriff’s department has also been a defining factor in her experience. “It’s more of a family environment,” Alexis observed. “I’m not as worried about messing up because I know I can talk to them, and I feel comfortable.”


As Alexis continues blazing a trail for future EACC Criminal Justice interns, her journey serves as a testament to the value of real-world experience in shaping careers. With her drive, passion, and hands-on knowledge, she is well on her way to making a lasting impact in law enforcement.


Thank you to Cass County Sheriff's Office for giving Alexis this opportunity!


  • Learn more about the EACC's Criminal Justice Program: EACC Criminal Justice

Mock Interview Day Sets New Record for Student Preparation Mock Interview Day Sets New Record for Student Preparation

What a day! The 2025 EACC Mock Interview event set a new record, with over 200 industry volunteers conducting more than 1,700 interviews in a single day. This milestone highlights the incredible support of our business community in helping students sharpen their professional skills and gain real-world experience.

What is a Mock Interview?

A mock interview is a simulated job interview. EACC students are matched with a professional volunteer from an employer related to their field of study. Mock interviews last 10-30 minutes and students are given feedback from the volunteers.

How do EACC students prepare for Mock Interview Day?

EACC students are focused on career goals and the steps necessary to achieve them from the moment they step foot into the career center.


Getting ready for mock interviews involves creating and polishing up resumes, learning the appropriate dress for interviews in their chosen field, practicing how to answer interview questions, and recognizing how body language can influence the impression they make.

A huge THANK YOU to every volunteer who took time out of their busy schedules to invest in our students' futures. A special note of thanks to the City of Elkhart, Beacon Health System, and Utilimaster for their outstanding support in rallying their teams and sending a strong presence. Your partnership makes all the difference!

At the Elkhart Area Career Center, we believe career success starts with preparation, and this record-breaking event proves just how dedicated our community is to shaping the next generation of professionals. We are incredibly grateful for your continued support. Thank you for believing in our students and helping them take the next step toward their futures!

  • Check out all the photos from this year’s event: 2025 Mock Interview Day

  • Interested in meeting EACC students? Check out our upcoming Career Fair!

Join Us for the EACC Career Fair! Join Us for the EACC Career Fair!

The Elkhart Area Career Center invites businesses and organizations to participate in our 2025 Career Fair – an outstanding opportunity to connect with over 1,200 talented high school juniors and seniors who are eager to hear about full-time employment, summer employment, and internship opportunities at your organization!

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Event Details

  • Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025

  • Location: Elkhart High School Gymnasium

  • Times: Morning session (8:30-10:45am) & Afternoon session (12:15-2:30pm)

  • Please Note: Organizations must attend both sessions

  • Business Registration: EACC Career Fair Registration


At EACC, our students are more than just learners – they’re future professionals. With 30 career-focused programs, hands-on training, and instruction from industry-experienced professionals, our students develop real-world skills in healthcare, construction, IT, criminal justice, automotive, and more. They bring technical knowledge, reliability, communication skills, and a strong work ethic – making them excellent candidates for your workforce.


Why Participate?

  • Engage with a pipeline of skilled, career-focused students

  • Promote your business and career opportunities

  • Recruit for full-time positions, summer jobs, and internships

  • Help shape the future workforce in our community


Each registered organization will receive an 8’ table and two chairs, and students will visit in structured waves, ensuring you meet a broad range of potential candidates. There is no cost to attend.


Register by Friday, April 18, 2025: https://tinyurl.com/EACC-career-fair-2025


If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Brenda Metcalfe, Career Coordinator! We appreciate your support in helping students explore career opportunities and look forward to seeing you there!

EACC Welcomes Representative Rudy Yakym EACC Welcomes Representative Rudy Yakym

Representative Rudy Yakym Visits the EACC

On April 14, the Elkhart Area Career Center was honored to welcome Indiana Representative Rudy Yakym for a tour of our facilities. During his visit, Rep. Yakym explored several of our standout programs, including Welding, CNC Machining, Robotics & Engineering Technology, Pre-Law, and Surgical Services.

We were proud to share that the EACC is the only career center in the state of Indiana to offer a Pre-Law program – highlighting our commitment to preparing students for high-wage, high-demand career pathways. Rep. Yakym also had the opportunity to experience the unique collaboration between the EACC, our business partners, and local post-secondary institutions through our innovative Surgical Services center. Additionally, he heard about the EACC's emphasis on educating our community about advanced manufacturing programs and high-wage opportunities in these industries.

Thank you to Rep. Yakym for taking the time to visit, and to our students and staff for showcasing the exceptional experiences and opportunities available at the EACC!

EACC Students Dominate at State Competition; Advance to Nationals EACC Students Dominate at State Competition; Advance to Nationals

What is SkillsUSA?

SkillsUSA is like the Olympics for career and technical education students. It’s a national organization that gives students the chance to put their hands-on skills to the test in real-world competitions. Whether it's welding, health sciences, media production, criminal justice, or skilled trades, students compete in events that mirror industry standards – showing what they’ve learned in the classroom and proving they’re ready for the workforce.


These contests don’t just test technical know-how – they also build confidence, teamwork, and leadership. Students move through local, regional, and state competitions, with the top winners advancing to Nationals in Atlanta. It’s a big deal. Medals, scholarships, tools, job offers – those are all on the line. Some students even go on to represent the U.S. in international competition.

Why It Matters:

SkillsUSA is proof that what we teach at the Elkhart Area Career Center matters in the real world. It’s where our students show that they’re not just learning – they’re mastering the skills that industries demand. When they win, they’re not just bringing home medals – they’re being recognized at the state and national level for being career-ready and exceptional in their fields.

EACC Students Shine at State!

This past weekend, 115 students from the Elkhart Area Career Center traveled to Indianapolis to compete at the Indiana State SkillsUSA Championships—and they did not disappoint! Our students earned 14 gold, 19 silver, and 17 bronze medals across a wide range of events, from Audio Production to CNC Programming to Medical Assisting.


Gold medal winners will represent Indiana and EACC at the National SkillsUSA Championships in Atlanta this June, competing against the best students in the country.

We are incredibly proud of all our competitors! Their success is a testament to their hard work, their talent, and the strength of the career programs at EACC.

EACC Inducts Record-Breaking Number of Students into NTHS! EACC Inducts Record-Breaking Number of Students into NTHS!

National Technical Honor Society Induction

On March 25, the Elkhart Area Career Center proudly inducted 184 students into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) – the largest group in the school’s history. The ceremony, attended by approximately 700 guests, celebrated students who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their career and technical education programs.


NTHS recognizes students for their academic excellence, skill development, and commitment to professionalism in career and technical education. To qualify, students must be nominated by their instructors, maintain an “A” in their program, and have three or fewer absences or tardies.


This milestone reflects the hard work and talent of EACC students and highlights the value of career and technical education in shaping future industry leaders.


Congratulations to our new National Technical Honor Society inductees!


  • Check out the full list of NTHS inductees on our website: EACC Awards

  • Check out photos from the event: NTHS Induction Ceremony

Update on EACC Expansion Update on EACC Expansion

As we’ve shared, the EACC is currently undergoing three areas of expansion to better serve our growing programs:

  • Diesel/Automotive Service Building (addition of four new service bays for Diesel/Automotive)

  • Construction Building (expanding space for Construction)

  • Main Campus (expanding space for Criminal Justice, Vet Careers, Exercise Science)


Here are some current photos of the progress!

Diesel/Automotive Service Building

Construction Building

Main Campus

Work is expected to complete on these projects by early 2026.

Now Hiring! Now Hiring!

Does the idea of teaching and mentoring the next generation of industry professionals sound like an opportunity you'd be excited to take on? If so, we’d love for you to consider joining our team! Check out the current job openings below.


Through instructor retirement, we have the following two openings:

  • Cosmetology Instructor
  • Diesel Service Technology Instructor


We're adding a new program next year and looking for the right person to kickstart it:

  • Software Development Instructor


We're also seeking a couple of outstanding support team members:

  • Diesel Service Technology - Paraprofessional
  • Advanced Manufacturing - Technical Assistant

Thank you to our outstanding 2024-2025 sponsors! Thank you to our outstanding 2024-2025 sponsors!

A heartfelt thank you to our 2024-2025 school year sponsors:

  • Big C Lumber

  • Foundations for Early Childhood Excellence

  • Growing Kids Learning Centers

  • Gurley Leep Automotive Family

  • Ironworkers Local 292

  • MacAllister Machinery

  • Monteith's Best-One Tire and Automotive Care

  • Truck Centers Inc

  • Utilimaster

  • Whiteford Kenworth


Your support helps ensure continued success and growth of EACC programs and students. We sincerely appreciate your support!


Interested in sponsoring the EACC? Contact Brandon Eakins, Director, at beakins@elkhart.k12.in.us

Previous EACC Newsletters

Did you miss our previous newsletters? Now is a great time to catch up!

  • Winter 2024-2025
  • Fall 2024-2025
  • Back to School 2024-2025

Do you have suggestions for the EACC newsletter? Was this forwarded to you and you'd like to be on the distribution list? Please email Brenda Metcalfe (bmetcalfe@elkhart.k12.in.us).

Brenda Metcalfe
Career Coordinator / Elkhart Area Career Center
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