Press Release
Warsaw — Warsaw Community Schools, in partnership with OrthoWorx, recently hosted a roundtable with Tony Denhart, the Executive Vice President of Workforce and Talent from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, at Warsaw Community High School.
Fourteen students from Warsaw, Wawasee, and Whitko participated in the roundtable discussion, which was held at the Warsaw Community Career Center’s Blue Apron.
During the roundtable discussion, Mr. Denhart asked students a variety of questions about their career dreams, what previous experiences led to these aspirations, and where they see themselves in five years. He provided insight into the growth of the industry in Indiana and Indiana’s economic development; he also commended Warsaw, Whitko, and Wawasee for the resources and offerings available to students.
The IEDC is looking to understand what obstacles exist that are keeping from growing talent in Indiana and considers the voice of students a pivotal part of helping support our future workforce.
At the end of the roundtable, students were also able to ask Denhart questions. When asked what advice he would give himself back in high school, he talked to students about the importance of relationships; taking advantage of opportunities like the ones offered by Warsaw, Whitko, and Wawasee.
He also stressed the importance of being a continuous learner and approaching all challenges as opportunities.
The following list represents the students who participated in the roundtable, the school they represent and their pathway of study:
Doondee Patnala, WCHS, Junior Medical Pathway
David Montoya, WACC, Junior Engineering Pathway
Liz Martinez, WCHS, Junior Leadership, Marketing Pathway.
Scarlett Shaffer, WCHS, Junior Human Services Pathway
Chloe Laird, WCHS, Senior Engineering Pathway
Ethan Betances, WCHS, Senior Information Technology Pathway
Jonathan Jimenez, WCHS, Senior Automotive Services Pathway
Derek Guthrie, WCHS, Senior Welding Pathway
Peyton Krueger, WACC, Aviation Pathway
Breanna Thompson, WACC, Agriculture Pathway
Chloe Hathaway, Whitko Career Academy
Brooke Schroeder, Whitko Career Academy
Emma Young, Wawasee, Junior Health Science
Addison Ritter, Wawasee, Senior Work-Based Learning
“We are excited to have had the opportunity to welcome Denhart to the Warsaw Area Career Center,” said WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffer.
“The WACC is a leading career center in the state of Indiana. Our goals are to help students achieve their dreams through one of the more than 40 career pathways offered. This includes many opportunities for certifications in high-demand jobs and internships within our local industries. This event provided the students participating with an opportunity to share about their areas of study, academic achievements and career aspirations and helped foster those conversations with our students and industry leaders in regards to how to be best prepared for current and future industry needs,” he said.
The visit also included a tour of facilities, led by Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert and other school officials.
