Student honored in ring ceremony
ANGOLA — Forty-three students in Trine University’s Allen School of Engineering and Computing were inducted into the Order of the Engineer for the spring semester.
Abigail Decamp of North Vernon, majoring in computer engineering, was among the students honored.
A ring ceremony on April 24 in Fabiani Theatre celebrated the public induction of candidates into the Order of the Engineer, a fellowship of engineers who are trained in science and technology and dedicated to the practice, teaching or administration of their profession.
During the ceremony, engineering students are invited to accept the Obligation of the Engineer and a stainless steel ring is placed on the smallest finger of the working hand. The obligation is a formal statement of an engineer’s responsibilities to the public and to the profession. Both the order and the obligation serve to stimulate public recognition by engineers of two basic principles: that the primary purpose of the engineering profession is the protection of the public health, safety and welfare; and that all members of the engineering profession share a common bond.
Trine University conducted its first ring ceremony in November 1978.
Sanders named Teacher of the Year
JENNINGS COUNTY — Jennifer Sanders from North Vernon Elementary School in Jennings County has been selected by the Indiana Small and Rural Schools Association Board as the 2025 Indiana Farm Bureau Rural Teacher of the Year.
Sanders’s submission was evaluated by a committee examining her high standards, care for students, contributions to her rural community, and collaboration with her community. The team also examines the teacher’s commitment to being a lifelong learner. Finally, the evaluation of Mrs. Sander’s ability to improve and push student achievement to its high levels was noted as a strength.
She will receive a $1,000 Prize from Indiana Farm Bureau for her achievements and move on to the National Rural Teacher of the Year Competition hosted by the National Rural Education Associations.
State ranks 10th in FAFSA submissions
INDIANAPOLIS – The latest data from the NCAN FAFSA Tracker ranks Indiana as the 10th state in the nation for both Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submissions and completions for the high school graduating class of 2024 as of April 19. Last year, Indiana ended the FAFSA filing cycle ranked 39th in the nation, making this a one-year, 29-position improvement.
Students with a completed FAFSA have successfully had their form processed by Federal Student Aid, and students with a submitted FAFSA have not had theirs processed or may require corrections or edits to complete. Indiana ranks first in the country in closing both the completion and submission gaps from 2023.
In 2023, Indiana joined seven other states in adopting a FAFSA completion requirement for high school seniors with broad opt-out provisions available.
“Last year’s historic legislation to require FAFSA completion for all Indiana high school seniors opens the door for thousands of students to access and afford education and training beyond high school,” said Lowery. “The FAFSA is not just a form; it’s a key to unlocking the opportunity for economic and social mobility and prosperity that higher education provides.”
While Indiana’s priority deadline to file the FAFSA has passed, students can still complete the form. Financial aid will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Commission’s Outreach Coordinators are available to assist students and families in the filing process. To send a direct message to your region’s Outreach Coordinator, visit www.learnmoreindiana.org/contact.
