Testimonials and Highlights

Student Success Spotlight: Dylan Sanford, Class of 2022
Springport High School Graduate | U.S. Navy | World Explorer

After graduating from Springport High School in 2022, Dylan Sanford made a bold and inspiring move - he joined the U.S. Navy. Just weeks after graduation, he was off to training and has since spent the past year and a half stationed aboard the USS Porter in Norfolk, Virginia.

Dylan chose this path with two goals in mind: to avoid student debt and to serve his country. It wasn’t an easy journey as being far from family and adjusting to the demands of a high-stakes career brought its own challenges. But Dylan’s found strength through physical fitness, golf, and the close friendships formed during long months at sea.

And he's already making waves - earning the rank of E-5 in under two years, a remarkable achievement in the Navy. “I saw Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Colombia in my first year,” Dylan shares. “I get paid to do a cool job and see the world. The camaraderie is awesome too - we build the best and closest friendships ever.”

When he's not working, Dylan enjoys CrossFit, golfing, and exploring the outdoors through hiking and trail running. Looking ahead, he hopes to earn a degree in Social Studies and eventually become a teacher - bringing his worldly experiences into the classroom.

His advice for high school students unsure of their next step? “Get out of your town for a few years. Go out and see the world. If you want to come back, do it - but don’t be afraid to explore.”

Additionally, Dylan proudly notes the impact the center had on his wife’s scholarship journey - a reminder of the many ways support can ripple through a family.

We're proud to celebrate Dylan’s story and grateful for his service.

 

Student Success Spotlight: Austin Smith, Class of 2020
Napoleon High School Graduate | Trine University Alum | Civil Engineer

Austin Smith took his passion for math, science, and the outdoors and turned it into a promising career in engineering. After graduating from Napoleon High School in 2020, Austin enrolled at Trine University in Angola, Indiana, where he ran cross country and track & field while pursuing his bachelor’s in civil engineering.

Fast forward to today, Austin has graduated (as of December 2024!) and already landed a full-time position with Soil and Material Engineering (SME) as a Geotechnical Engineer.

His path wasn’t always clear-cut. Originally thinking he’d work for NASA, Austin shifted gears after discovering a better fit in civil engineering. He credits his PLTW (Project Lead the Way) classes at the Career Center and his instructor, Mr. Reidiman, for igniting his interest in the field.

“No one has it all figured out going into college,” Austin says. “Stress doesn’t help in making decisions. Explore, adjust, and don’t be afraid to pivot.”

Juggling college athletics and a challenging course load wasn’t easy, but Austin’s proudest accomplishment? Scoring points for Trine at a conference meet while maintaining a 3.6 GPA. Organization and planning, he says, were key and these skills continue to serve him well on the job.

Outside of work, Austin is all about movement and the outdoors. Whether he’s running, biking, kayaking, rollerblading, or even jumping on trampolines, you’ll find him soaking up the fresh air. One fun fact? He ran steeplechase in college - a long-distance race with hurdles and water jumps.

Now based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Austin recently bought a house with his girlfriend and is working toward earning his Professional Engineer license. He’s already passed the first exam and is collecting experience toward the second. He also hopes to launch a roadside litter pickup group in his community and, in his words, “keep the human in our work prevalent” as AI becomes more prominent.

The College & Career Access Center played a key role in Austin’s journey.
He shares: “CCAC helped me apply for FAFSA my first two years and Brian Green worked with me to perfect 27 scholarship applications during my senior year. That made a huge impact.”

We’re proud to celebrate Austin’s journey from Napoleon to Fort Wayne and can’t wait to see what he builds next!