GreatNews.Life Student Voices: Autumn Approaches the ACC

What’s recently happened?

On October 10, the Hammond Area Career Center’s (ACC) culinary arts students participated in the Whole Hog Invitational, where they collaborated with professional chefs during the prestigious event. Students assembled dishes, plated food, and served guests. They rotated between stations and shared what they learned with one another, helping maintain the chefs’ standards throughout service.

The event concluded with Chef Nick Idarraga of Ramen District clinching the championship, highlighting the students’ exposure to top-tier culinary talent. The ACC community proudly celebrated their students’ dedication and potential in the culinary arts.

What’s coming up?

As November approaches, the ACC will donate canned goods from its fall food drive.

From October 5 through November 13, students and staff are encouraged to come together to help families and individuals in need throughout the community. Students can donate unexpired, nonperishable food items, such as canned goods and other pantry essentials.

The food drive is a great opportunity for ACC students to make a positive impact and show kindness. Every donation can make a difference.

Staff Spotlight:

College and Career Pathway Coordinator Amy Ford has been working at the ACC since 2013. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business with a focus on human resources management from Indiana University Northwest, a Master of Arts in teaching from Calumet College, and a vocational business license from Ball State University.

Ford began her teaching career after working as a recruiter and being inspired to help others through education.

“While working as a recruiter at Ingalls Hospital, I had the opportunity to speak at a middle school in Harvey, Illinois. I enjoyed it so much, I began to consider changing careers,” Ford said. “I always wanted to work where I could help people and felt teaching students would be far more rewarding.”

In her current position at the ACC, Ford works behind the scenes with the instructors and students to help them maximize their outcomes. She ensures that students have access to the highest level of dual credits and industry certifications that align with their curriculum and state requirements. In addition, she also coordinates governor’s and regional work ethic certifications and serves as the National Technical Honor Society advisor.

In addition to serving as the college and career pathway coordinator at the ACC, she has taught multiple subjects, including accounting, business law and ethics, business math, career information and exploration, computer applications, and introduction to business.

“I felt my diverse experiences, licenses, and degrees could benefit the Area Career Center,” Ford said. “I saw it as an opportunity to use my background and skills to support our instructors and students and help create opportunities for our students to succeed.”

Every day is a different story for Ford. She draws motivation from seeing students progress and balances that passion with family engagement. Ford celebrates students’ achievements, showing her motivation, confidence, and commitment to community.

“I am inspired by our students! I get to see them learn, grow, and discover what they are capable of doing,” Ford said. “I enjoy seeing their progress and accomplishments. It is exciting to watch them grow and prepare for their futures.”

Student Spotlight:

Whiting High School senior Jillian Taylor is a first-year Culinary Arts student. At her home school, she participates in multiple extracurricular activities, including Spanish Club, Student Council, and the National Honor Society, where she serves as treasurer. She contributes positively to her school and community. Taylor manages her commitments through disciplined time management and organization.

“What motivated me the most was being able to contribute to more meaningful things in my school community and make my high school years a more enjoyable experience,” Taylor said. “If I finish off homework in a timely manner, I’ll have plenty of time to contribute to my extracurriculars. It keeps me organized to have things written down somewhere.”

Taylor’s favorite part of coming to school is seeing everyone. Her school routine centers on social connections and continuous learning. Friends and mentors provide her emotional and motivational support, showing how important encouragement and advice are during academic and personal challenges. She advises others to fight through difficult times and to keep challenging themselves.

“Friends always make me laugh and make my day more manageable — having a shoulder to lean on when things are tough keeps me and a lot of others going,” Taylor said. “Challenge yourself and never give up. There’s always a light at the end of the dark path you might feel stuck in, but it all leads to good things.”

Taylor has defined clear academic goals through both school and social support. Her high school experiences have shown the impact of supportive environments and the power of social and inspirational networks for persistence and success.

“After high school, I would like to attend Purdue Northwest or Purdue Lafayette to pursue a pathway in pre-pharmacy to eventually be able to help others become healthier through medicine,” Taylor said. “In my free time, I like to listen to music or bake when I have the opportunity.”