The marine mechanics program offered through the Wawasee Area Career and Technical Education Cooperative has been recognized by the Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) as an outstanding program. Shown are, from left, Derek Fisher, marine mechanics instructor, and Jon Everingham, Pathways director, with the certificates acknowledging the recognition.

SYRACUSE — Not only does Kosciusko County boast more than 100 inland lakes, it is also home to one of the top marine mechanics education programs in the country.

The marine mechanics program offered through the Wawasee Area Career and Technical Education Cooperative has been recognized by the Marine Mechanics Institute as an outstanding program. The articulation means students who wish to further their marine mechanics training at MMI, the largest marine technician training center in the nation, can apply credits earned through Pathways at Wawasee.

“Your program has proven to be an excellent source of education, knowledge and skills,” Michelle Lawler, vice president of admissions operations at MMI said in a letter to Derrick Fisher, marine mechanics instructor. “Your program is one to be proud of and you can feel confident knowing you have helped make a difference in your students’ lives by providing them such a superb opportunity. By providing such an excellent foundation, you have helped pave the way to your students’ future success.”

Within five years, the marine mechanics program through Pathways has grown from just a few students to more than 30 signed up for the 2018-19 school year. The two-year program caters to mostly juniors and seniors who spend the bulk of their time learning how to diagnose engine problems and rebuild engines. In addition to working on marine engines like boats and waverunners, students also try their hands at powersport vehicles including four-wheelers, dirt bikes, ATVs and motorcycles.

“This isn’t your traditional classroom where I’m in front of them and talking for an hour,” said Fisher. “Students need to be able to do the work and not just read the service manuals, so we make this really hands-on.”

Not only do students work hands-on in the classroom at Wawasee High School, which has also grown in size over the past few years, but they also have the chance to work at local marinas. With dozens of marinas in the area to cater to boaters, many have stepped up to hire Pathways students before they even graduate high school.

Students more interested in landbound vehicles can participate in Pathways’ automotive technology program, led by Brad Craig. Also geared toward juniors and seniors, the two-year program teaches students everything to know about a vehicle, bumper to bumper.

Pathways is a cooperative partnership between Whitley County Consolidated Schools, Wawasee Community Schools and Fairfield Community Schools, who work together to prepare area students with the skills necessary to become successful in college or career.

“Our goal is for each student to experience a vibrant environment at Pathways where they can master new knowledge, tap their creativity and explore their potential,” said Director Jon Everingham. “A Pathways, we are preparing our students for a wide range of high-wage, high-skill and high-demand careers.”

Programs of study include: agriculture; architecture and construction; arts, AV technology and communications; business and marketing; culinary arts; education and training; health services; human services; law, public safety, corrections and security; manufacturing; and transportation.

For more information about any of the programs, visit pathwayscte.com. Students interested in enrolling in career and technical education courses through the cooperative should contact their school’s guidance department.