PENDLETON — Middle school is a time when children start to figure out their interests. Students in Pendleton got to try out construction, learning how to work with their hands.

The Madison County Builders Association sponsored Trades Day at Pendleton Heights Middle School on Friday. The students, under the guidance of industry professionals, performed tasks such as assembling a table or settling concrete.

It is the second time Trades Day has come to Pendleton, but it is especially significant now because of changes to Indiana's education system made in the Statehouse this year.
"They're deciding if they're taking the college pathway or the career pathway, and that is decided by February of 8th grade," said Karen Shreves of the Madison County Builders Association.

Shreves said they are planning to expand Trades Day to more schools next year because of the newfound relevance of trades careers in K-12 education.
"By allowing the children the opportunity, the trades become less alien to them," Shreves said.

The projects made by Pendleton Heights Middle School students during Trades Day will remain on display at the school.
-
Warren Central names newly renovated locker room to honor late coach
Larry Willen, who died in 2019, served as a fixture in the Warriors’ athletic program, helping lead all nine of Warren Central’s state football championship teams.IMPD: Driver dies from crash on the northeast side of Indianapolis
According to police, officers responded to E. 30th Bolton Avenue and N. Bolton Avenue on the report of a crash. Officers at the scene found one vehicle that had struck a treeWest Nile Virus detected in mosquitoes in Tippecanoe County
Four mosquito groups found in Tippecanoe County have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to a press release sent to WRTV by the Tippecanoe County Health Department.IndyGo announces fare increases, which go into effect January 1
On Thursday, the board of directors approved an update to its fare policy. IndyGo's fare has remained unchanged since 2009.