Area 31 Career Center

Congratulations to Brownsburg senior, Ryan Johnson, on earning his Certificate of Program Completion through Vincennes University and taking the next step toward a career in cybersecurity with the United States Marines!

Moments like these are what is all about: students setting ambitious goals, developing real-world skills, and turning their plans into reality.

This achievement also serves as a fitting reflection of the impact Area 31 Cybersecurity Instructor Karen Diggs has had throughout her career at both Main and Harris Campuses. Karen encouraged Jon to stick with the program, and seeing him reach this milestone is a reminder of the countless students she has supported over the years.

As Karen retires (again!), we celebrate a career dedicated to education and student success. From her time at Fulton Junior High (now Chapel Hill 7th & 8th Grade Center) and North West Hendricks School Corporation, to Area 31 Main Campus and Harris Campus, Karen has spent decades helping students discover their potential and pursue their futures.

Whether in the classroom or performing with the Indianapolis Municipal Band, Karen has always shared her talents with others. Thank you, Karen, for the difference you've made in the lives of so many students. We wish you all the best in retirement and congratulate Ryan on this exciting next chapter.

Area 31 PJ’s College of Cosmetology students recently celebrated the completion of their first year in the program with an exciting and creative fashion show showcasing their skills, professionalism, and artistic talent!

The culminating event highlighted student growth in cosmetology, hairstyling, makeup artistry, and fashion presentation while giving students the opportunity to demonstrate the techniques and creativity they have developed throughout the year. Family members, staff, and guests enjoyed an impressive showcase of hard work, confidence, and collaboration.

We are incredibly proud of our students and instructors for making this event such a success and for representing the passion and dedication found within the Area 31 Cosmetology program. Congratulations to all students on a fantastic first year!

Today, Area 31 celebrates the retirement of Joyce Enlow, Administrative Assistant to the Director of Area 31 Career Programs.

Joyce has served the MSD of Wayne Township for over thirty years, with twenty-six years as the full-time administrative assistant to the Director of Area 31 Career Programs. A proud Ben Davis graduate, Joyce’s connection to Wayne and Area 31 runs deep. In fact, the person who held this position from 1976-1987 was her mom, Peggy Short Blake, making her service here part of a very special family legacy.

While Joyce has never been someone who seeks the spotlight, her impact is impossible to miss. For more than three decades, she has supported staff, students, families, and programs with steady dedication, kindness, and care. So much of the work behind the scenes at Area 31 bears Joyce’s fingerprints, and our school is better because of her.

Joyce, thank you for your years of service, your loyalty to Area 31 and Wayne Township, and the many ways you have helped our career center serve students and families. We wish you the very best in retirement. You have certainly earned it. 💙

Special thanks to former Area 31 Director, Ron Hoke, for bringing in a photo collage that Joyce had created for his retirement 11 years prior. It was wonderful to relive moments in our shared history.

Looking to start a career in advanced manufacturing or build your skills in industrial maintenance? Vincennes University is offering an Electrical Maintenance Technician Bootcamp designed for anyone ready to take the next step into a high-demand career field.

This 4-week accelerated bootcamp includes 150 hours of hands-on training with real-world equipment used in modern manufacturing environments, including CNC machines, robotics, automated systems, electrical trainers, motor control systems, and variable frequency drives.

Participants will learn skills in:

⚡ AC/DC electrical systems
⚡ Electric motor control and troubleshooting
⚡ Variable frequency drives
⚡ Electrical print reading and diagnostics
⚡ Real-world industrial applications

Participants may also have the opportunity to earn up to eight certifications through the Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA).

📅 Orientation: Monday, June 15
📅 Classes: June 22 through July 17
💲 Cost: $4,995
Grant funding may be available.

For more information, contact:

John Kirisits
Vincennes University Instructor
📞 765-470-2872
📧 [email protected]

Area 31 is proud to support our higher education partner, Vincennes University, as they continue helping learners build the skills needed for today’s workforce.

Area 31 Culinary Arts students recently partnered with Ben Davis Thrive students for a special co-curricular event focused on formal dining etiquette and real-world learning experiences.

Students in Ms. Garrett’s Thrive class have been practicing formal dining skills throughout the year, and this culminating event provided the opportunity to apply those skills in our dining room while enjoying a meal prepared and served by our Culinary Arts students.

It was an impressive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved and a great example of collaboration, inclusion, and student growth. We are proud of all of the students for their professionalism and participation throughout the event.

Thank you to Ms. Garrett for the incredible support you provide to your students and for including our Culinary Arts program in this meaningful experience!

Congratulations to Jacey Lowe on being awarded one of seven NTHS HOSA Scholarships nationwide!

Jacey is a proud member of Plainfield High School's HOSA chapter and Area 31’s National Technical Honor Society chapter, representing the best of career and technical education through leadership, service, and a commitment to her future in health science.

We are so proud of Jacey and excited to celebrate this well-deserved recognition. Congratulations! 🎉

From preparing the foundation to the final touches before today’s open house, our Construction Trades students spent the year bringing this home to life.

Students gained real-world experience every step of the way, learning skills that went far beyond the classroom. This year, our HVAC students played a key role, taking flat sheet metal, learning how to fabricate it by hand, and then installed it throughout the home!

Huge thank you to instructors Billy O’Neal, Jason Burke, and Ryan McGuinness for the tremendous impact you make on our students every single day! We also couldn’t do it without the support of our partner, Indy Gateway Inc. Thank you for investing not only in our community, but our students.

Today was a great reminder of what can happen when education, partnerships, and student talent come together.

Congratulations to Mr. Matt Clodfelter, Principal of Danville Community High School, and Mrs. Julia Crone, Assistant Principal at Cascade High School, on being recognized by the Indiana Association of School Principals!

Mr. Clodfelter was named IASP Region 8 High School Principal of the Year and Mrs. Crone received the Region 8 Assistant Principal of the Year honor.

Area 31 is proud to celebrate the outstanding leadership represented across our sending schools. We have had the privilege of working with Mr. Clodfelter in multiple roles, including his time as Associate Principal at Ben Davis High School, and we are grateful for the continued partnership of leaders like him and Mrs. Crone who help support students, staff, and school communities across our region.

Congratulations to both on these well-deserved honors!

Congratulations to Dr. Jake Allen of Mooresville Schools and Dr. Scott Wyndham of Avon Community School Corporation on being named 2025-2026 IAPSS District Superintendents of the Year!

Area 31 is proud to partner with 11 incredible sending schools, and we are especially excited to celebrate two of our district leaders being recognized by their peers for their dedication to their students, staff, schools, and communities.

Congratulations, Dr. Allen and Dr. Wyndham! We are grateful for your leadership and proud to work alongside you in supporting students across our region.

Last night, we celebrated student excellence, dedication, and the incredible accomplishments of our Area 31 students at the 2026 Awards Ceremony.

A special thank you to Goat Locker Racing’s Patrick Drabick and Andy Karnes for joining us to present a scholarship to Emori Sandlin. Partnerships like these continue to create meaningful opportunities for our students both inside and outside the classroom.

A huge congratulations to our students, who continue to raise the bar year after year. The Class of 2026 is officially the largest Early College cohort in Area 31 history, with students earning:
• 78 Associate Degrees
• 43 Indiana College Core Certificates
• 19 Certificates of Program Completion

In addition, 28 students graduated with collegiate honors distinctions, including Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Summa Cum Laude recognition.

We also honored Mr. Dennis Goins, who is retiring after 24 years of service to Wayne Township and Area 31. What began as a TV Broadcasting program with just 3 students grew under his leadership into one of the most decorated student broadcasting programs in the country, producing award-winning student journalists and impacting thousands of students along the way. His impact on students, broadcasting, and Career and Technical Education will be felt for years to come.

To our students, families, instructors, partners, and community supporters: thank you for making last night such a memorable celebration.