HeraldTimesOnline.com
2013 high school class the last to graduate under Bloomington New Tech name
By April Toler331-4353 | atoler@heraldt.com
June 1, 2013
Standing in her cap and gown, Elizabeth Canada was confident that being a part of Bloomington New Tech High School has prepared her for her future.
“I don’t think I would have had the same experience at North or South or any other school,” Canada said. “Everything about New Tech (I’ll miss). I’m just so thankful.”
Canada is one of 36 New Tech students to graduate this year, 31 of whom participated in the school’s commencement ceremony Friday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater.
Carson Martin was named New Tech’s valedictorian.
The 2013 class is the last class who will graduate under the New Tech name. In August, the school will become the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship, A New Technology High School.
Although small in size, the class at New Tech made many accomplishments this year, which were highlighted by principal Bruce Colston.
Those accomplishments include 52 percent of graduates receiving a Core 40 diploma; 46 percent receiving a Core 40 diploma with academic honors; 108 college courses completed; 324 college credits earned; five mid-year graduates and three early graduates; and two students who were admitted to the National Technical Honor Society.
New to the school, Colston has spent less than a year with this year’s graduating class. But they have left a lasting impression on him.
“One impression I do have of you is that you are a class of unique individuals,” he said. “You came to New Tech seeking new educational experiences. You are leaving having carved out a path that is uniquely your own.”
In addition to receiving praise from Colston, the graduates also received praise from commencement speaker John Whikehart, chancellor of Ivy Tech Bloomington.
The high school and Ivy Tech have worked closely together to provide college credit opportunities for New Tech students.
“Make no mistake about it. You, the students, made New Tech a success,” he said.
For Clark Ackerman, who graduated in three years, New Tech allowed him to make lifelong friends and to work closely with his teachers and school staff.
Those friends, coupled with the knowledge and skills he learned at New Tech, will be what he takes away from his high school experience as he heads into the future.
“(I’ll miss) just the things I learned, like public speaking, working in groups, collaborating,” he said. “I’m going to always keep that with me, and I’m going to remember the friends and people I’ve met at this school.”
New Tech High School senior Bradley William Bridges holds his diploma in his lap Friday during commencement at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The 2013 class is the last to graduate under the New Tech name. Rabi Abonour | Herald-Times
Ivy Tech Bloomington Chancellor John Whikehart delivers the commencement address Friday at the Bloomington New Tech High School graduation. Rabi Abonour | Herald-Times
Bloomington New Tech High School senior Carson Martin delivers a speech Friday at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. Martin was named valedictorian of the 2013 class. Rabi Abonour | Herald-Times
Copyright: HeraldTimesOnline.com 2013
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
