GreatNews.Life Student Voices: A new school year kicks off at Hammond Area Career Center

What’s recently happened?

After the catastrophic storms in Northwest Indiana, the Hammond Area Career Center (ACC) kicked off its first day of school on August 27. The staff gave a presentation to incoming first-year and returning second-year students with expectations, policies, and what’s to come for the incoming school year.

The first-year students were introduced to the ACC building as they toured classrooms, met teachers, and became familiar with the environment. Second-year students returned to ACC to see their new schedule or visit classes they had last year.

What’s coming up?

The parent open house and family orientation is on Wednesday, September 9. Parents and families of current students are invited to attend an informational meeting, followed by an opportunity to meet with their student’s program instructor. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. and will cover important information about the ACC and student programs. Topics of discussion will include school policies, student expectations, and more opportunities available to students throughout the school year.

Also on September 9, Amy Ford, the College and Career Pathways coordinator, will host an assembly to discuss the Work Ethics Convocation. Students have the opportunity to earn the Work Ethics certification, which demonstrates to employers that they are workforce-ready. On that day, students will report to the auditorium to learn about the Governor & Regional Work Ethic certifications.

Staff Spotlight:

Scott Ciupak is the construction technology instructor at the ACC. With over two decades of teaching experience, he began his passion for carpentry as a high school student in the same program he now teaches. His experience exemplifies how early exposure to skilled trades education can foster long-term commitment and leadership in construction and carpentry.

“I was a student in this class, and the teacher, when they had a vacancy for an aide, thought I would be good at it and invited me back,” Ciupak said. “I applied for the job and got hired, and I really enjoyed it, and I just didn’t want to leave.”

The effort Ciupak gives to engaging with his students is incredible. He advocates that students fully engage in all trades, including less-preferred areas such as masonry or carpentry. The hands-on experience helps engage students in traditional academic paths in not just the construction trades class but everything at the ACC.

“Give everything a full effort, and you’d be surprised at what you really enjoy and where you’ll apply that knowledge later,” Ciupak said. “I had a lot of good mentorship through being a student in this class and my peers.”

Ciupak views the career center as a dynamic collaborative environment where each instructor contributes uniquely. The work he has done for the construction trades carpentry class is incredible. It has allowed him to connect with students going into the trades workforce. Starting as a student aide and evolving into a full-time instructor shows the unimaginable path Ciupak has taken through his continuous involvement in teaching and community workforce development.

Student Spotlight:

Brianna Villalobos is a senior from Hammond Central High School. At the ACC, she is a second-year capstone student in culinary arts. While she does not participate in extracurricular activities, she offers a clear example of how to balance school and work life. Whenever Villalobos is not in school, she works as a cold-side staff member at Carrabba’s Italian Grill. She demonstrates hard work and dedication outside of the ACC by balancing work and school responsibilities.

“Right after school I go straight to work,” Villalobos said. “Depending on what time I get out of work, I automatically do what I have to do, like school work or anything else.”

Villalobos considers the ACC her favorite part of school. In her culinary class, she loves meeting new people and building relationships with her friends. The ACC has allowed her to gain practical experience through interactions with other chefs. Villalobos is excited to engage with school projects and to open the ACC cafe.

She is shown support and inspiration by her chef, who provides significant motivation by including her in professional opportunities. At the ACC, she is able to get hands-on experience of what it’s like to work in the kitchen.

“My chef definitely inspires me and makes me go everywhere with him and lets me get the experience I need,” Villalobos said. “Try to live in the moment and just enjoy your high school years because as soon as it’s over, it’s done.”

The ACC helps Villalobos in many ways. It has allowed her to envision clear goals for her future. She plans to attend Purdue Northwest and major in secondary education and minoring in hospitality and tourism, helping blend her career interests with educational goals.