Whitko senior Cliff Hawkins has been putting his engineering education to work at Fox Products Inc., a musical instrument manufacturer in South Whitley. Photo provided by Whitko Community Schools.

News Release

SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko High School senior Cliff Hawkins is putting his education into action through a hands-on capstone experience at Fox Products Inc., a musical instrument manufacturer located in South Whitley. Hawkins is gaining real-world experience while contributing to the production of professional-grade instruments.

Hawkins’ responsibilities at Fox Products include soldering, assembly and precision work using a drill press and countersink to prepare key components. He also operates a belt sander to remove imperfections from keys and other parts. Once they’re completed, he helps prepare the finished instruments for shipment.

What makes Hawkins’ journey especially meaningful is the connection between his job and his academic pathway. He has completed three years as an engineering student and fulfilled the engineering pathway at Whitko Career Academy. The skills he learned in class — such as technical drawing, problem-solving, tool safety and precision measurement — have translated directly to his role at Fox Products.

Looking to the future, Hawkins plans to enroll in a two-year post-secondary program in engineering technology. His experiences in the classroom and on the job have solidified his passion for the field and prepared him for the next step in his career journey.

Fox Products, known for crafting world-class bassoons and oboes, supports youth in the community by offering work-based learning opportunities. Hawkins’ story is an example of how career pathways and partnerships with local industry can prepare students for success beyond high school.