Reprinted from the North Vernon Plain-Dealer newspaper, May 27, 2021 edition

The Jennings County Economic Development Commission in partnership with Mike Montgomery of Montrow Group in North Vernon awarded 21 Jennings County High School seniors with the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate.

Under the approval of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development awards the community with the employer-recognized Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate (GWEC) to be earned by high school seniors, recognizing the invaluable currency of “employability skills.”

The program is structured to connect employers to their local school district through a College and Career Readiness Advisory Council, (comprised entirely of local educators and employers) establishing a fundamental, collaborative partnership for this program and continued alignment between the business community and our education system.

Over 800 Indiana employers across every major industry support the GWEC program. In program year 2019-20, 180 schools statewide participated in the GWEC program, with a potential reach of over 30,000 high school seniors.

All student participants must demonstrate a minimum proficiency in the following nine competencies to earn the GWEC:

• Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and meet all graduation requirements
• Attendance rate of 98% or higher
• One or fewer discipline referrals during the eligible school year
• Minimum of 6 hours of school or community service during the eligible school year
• Perseverance and problem-solving
• Service to others, possess a positive attitude, and strong communication skills
• Ability to be a self-starter and critical thinker
• Reliability, responsibility, and teamwork
• Organization skills, the importance of punctuality, and self-management

For this year’s selected students, a special drop-by award recognition was held at JCEDC Tuesday morning. Mike Montgomery and Dave Vannoy of Montrow Group were there along with JCEDC’s Kathy Ertel and Anna Walker to welcome and congratulate the honored students. They were awarded with individual checks and treated to juice and donuts from Bohemian Cafe.

Mike Montgomery addressed the seniors, explaining to them that, while academics are important, he greatly values “when individuals can make and keep a promise.”

The students were grateful for the recognition and happy to take the leftover donuts with them to share with their friends — an end-of-the-year celebratory treat!