PHOTO CUTLINE: Vincennes University recipients of the Award for Excellence are, from left, Ryon Allbaugh, Indianapolis; Dustin James Anderson, Indianapolis; Jared Whitaker, Evansville; Deondra McQueary, Dubois; Samantha Marcotte, Fishers; Paula Rodriguez Duran, Evansville; and William Scott, Monroe City. ###

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Vincennes University students and programs are the recipients of Indiana College and Career Readiness Awards for Excellence. The awards were presented at a Feb. 26 ceremony at the Indiana Government Center in Indianapolis.

Seven VU students were honored in addition to two programs, VU’s Agribusiness Partnership and VU’s Pharmacy Technology program.

The Indiana Career and Technical Education Awards for Excellence Program recognizes exemplary programs, students, and partnerships that benefit the state. The program is supported by a grant through the Indiana Department of Education and by contributions from the Indiana Dept. of Workforce Development, VU, Ivy Tech Community College, and the Indiana Association of Career and Technical Education Districts.

VU students receiving awards include Ryon Allbaugh, Indianapolis, Professional Aviation Flight; Dustin James Anderson, Indianapolis, Aviation Maintenance; Paula Rodriguez Duran, Evansville, Advanced Manufacturing Technology; Samantha Marcotte, Fishers, American Sign Language/Deaf Studies; Deondra McQueary, Dubois, Culinary Arts; William Scott, Monroe City, Advanced Manufacturing Technology; and Jared Whitaker, Evansville, Auto Collision Repair and Refinishing.

In the partnership category, VU’s Agribusiness program partnership with Farm Bureau, Inc., was cited for providing students with opportunities for involvement in real-life state and national ag-related events. This participation provides a unique environment where students can expand their personal networks to include experts in the field; increase their communication skills; broaden their vision from a local to a national perspective; and gain valuable skills to help them be more successful when starting their careers within the agriculture Industry.

The award for VU’s Pharmacy Technology program noted that students receive a robust combination of didactic, simulated lab, and on-the-job clinical experience. Upon completion of the program, students are licensed pharmacy technicians, having sat for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board national certification exam. Students are also eligible to take the PTCB’s national sterile compounding exam once they have met they work experience timeline. The program is fully accredited through the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and boasts the first and only accredited early high school site at the associate degree level in the nation.

STUDENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Ryon Allbaugh, Indianapolis, Professional Aviation Flight
One instructor noted that “Ryon’s personal work ethic continues to inspire those individuals around him, and one of the reasons for his success is his enthusiasm for always doing the best that he can in anything he’s involved in.” Ryon has successfully completed more than 487 hours of flight experience, leading him to holding certifications and ratings for Certified Flight Instructor, Commercial Single and Multi-Engines, Unmanned Aerial Systems, Fist Class Medical Certification, FCC Radio Operators Permit, and endorsements for Complex and High Performance aircrafts. Ryon is now a flight instructor for Vincennes University.

Dustin James Anderson, Indianapolis, Aviation Maintenance
Dustin has previously been a member of the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade holding a position as a U.S. Army Aviator, and is presently a member of the Indiana National Guard. A nominator stated, “Dustin maintains high levels of integrity, a positive attitude always, and a care for others. His infectious smile and ability to see the best in any situation brings a team together better than the assigned leader has the ability to do.” Dustin’s leadership has been on display by being a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association and an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Paula Rodriguez Duran, Evansville, Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Paula continues to display her enthusiastic energy as a skilled maintenance team member working for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana. One instructor described Paula as, “A punctual, meticulous student who is absolutely not afraid to get her hands dirty in lab. Her cheerful, positive attitude at times belies the serious pupil beneath the surface. She is helpful to the students around her and regularly participates during all classes to help others.” After graduating, Paula plans to further her education, indicating that ‘knowledge is power,’ and the power to change her community for good is an opportunity she cannot pass up.

Samantha Marcotte, Fishers, American Sign Language/Deaf Studies
One instructor states that Samantha is a natural at learning ASL and is enthusiastic about interpreting and becoming a deaf advocate/ally. She loves to volunteer at sporting events at the Indiana School for the Deaf, working the ticket window or concessions. In her free time Samantha coaches trampoline and tumbling at a local gym and travels on the weekends judging gymnastics events. She was nominated for the student ambassador position within her program as well as selected for the National Honors Society and Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship programs. Samantha plans to continue her education at IUPUI in the Interpreting program, and then to pursue a career in interpreting, specifically law or medical interpreting.

Deondra McQueary, Dubois, Culinary Arts
One Professor stated, “Deondra is a glass-half-full person - no tasks are looked at as monstrous; there is no gloom and doom for her; and challenges are always tackled with a positive outlook.” The same instructor mentioned, “She is a natural leader and her fellow students look to her when an instructor has not appointed a student leader. Upon the completion of her degree she plans to continue her education at Johnson and Wales University in Denver, Colorado, where she will pursue a baccalaureate degree in Culinary Science. She plans to to work as a test kitchen developer for an organic food company.

William Scott, Monroe City, Advanced Manufacturing Technology
William’s ability to thrive in any environment where decision-making, self-motivation, and first-rate communication skills are required are some key characteristics that separate him from his peers. One instructor noted that Will often took the lead on many projects involved with the Advanced Manufacturing Technology program classes. William also was a fixture as serving as a volunteer to assist his classmates with their studies. After completing his associate degree, he plans to work at Toyota full time seek a baccalaureate degree from Purdue University.

Jared Whitaker, Evansville, Auto Collision Repair and Refinish
One instructor stated that, “Jared has tremendous leadership potential and has many positive qualities that will be valuable assets to any organization he’s a part of.” Jared currently works at Lefler’s Collision Repair and plans to obtain more certifications as well as to get his baccalaureate degree in business. He strives to give back to the community and volunteer at local charities throughout southern Indiana.
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