Students are ready to begin careers and post-secondary educational paths
When senior Danny Thomas, recent winner of a 2025 Superintendent’s Excellence Award graduates this May, he will have completed coursework through two different schools — Bloomington Graduation School (BGS) and Hoosier Hills Career Center (HHCC), all while working a full-time job.
After expediting the completion of his core credits through BGS, Thomas found his passion in a welding class at HHCC — later resulting in a full-time welder position at Poynter Sheet Metal. Welding has been a part of Thomas’ life from a young age, as his grandfather introduced him to the craft.
“Here I’m working, it’s hard work. I’m doing all the different things, whether it’s welding or beating some sheet metal or making some air duct,” shared Thomas. “My grandfather passed away six or so years ago now, and this is my way of feeling like I’ve made him proud.”
Thomas’ future plans include traveling the country with his union to build skyscrapers, as he looks forward to utilizing the skills he learned and continuing his excellence in STEAM.
Impressive future plans continue to be a theme for graduating seniors at the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC). BHSN senior Ailuen Liu received the highest possible AP Scholar Award, earning the title of AP Scholar with Distinction.
After taking AP Chemistry, completing college-level organic and physical chemistry courses through IU’s OPEN Program and working in an Indiana University chemistry lab throughout her last two years of high school, Liu has received the prestigious title of Beering Scholar — a scholarship that covers tuition, room and board, study abroad, and a Ph.D. or M.D. of her choice at Purdue University.
Outside of her chemistry courses, Liu is involved in Model UN, Student Council, and is a captain of the Science Olympiad Team, where she serves as a mentor for the younger, female captains.
“I was very lucky to grow up in Bloomington. Being so close to IU, there’s so many opportunities,” said Liu. “I never would have been able to do half the things I did without it.”
Students can choose from 41 AP courses at MCCSC high schools, and many students take advantage of the opportunity. In the 2023-24 school year, students took 1,867 AP tests and 92% scored an impressive 3 or above. In 2024, both Bloomington High School North (BHSN) and Bloomington High School South (BHSS) received AP High School Honor Roll Recognition.
Senior Bonnie Dong moved across the country from New York City to Bloomington before attending BHSS. She is now preparing for another move, following her dreams to a full ride at Stanford University.
Although Dong is planning to major in computer engineering after learning how to fix computers in her elective IT course, her interests have allowed her to partake in a wide range of extracurriculars and STEAM coursework, including band, robotics, Asian Culture Club, and stained-glass class.
Additionally, BHSS’s Panther Plus program, a daily class period in which students sign up to receive extra assistance from their teacher and classmates, allowed Dong to excel in everything from AP Chemistry to one of her favorite classes — jewelry-making.
Dong’s holistic interests are evident of the mentality that makes her both an MCCSC scholar and a future academic ready to tackle life on the West Coast.
“I want to explore all the possibilities I get, just have an adventure,” Dong explained.
Students at all MCCSC high schools, through a state-wide program, can complete Indiana College Core (ICC) requirements. This allows scholars to gain thirty college credit hours, which are guaranteed to transfer to Indiana public colleges and universities. The ICC can result in significant college savings for students while also giving them a head start in coursework.
Junior Brogan Gilbert is one student completing ICC requirements at the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship (the Academy). He is on track for graduation with honors, while also preparing to go into Cadet Teaching classes — a corporation-wide program which allows students to spend a portion of each day gaining teaching experience at another school.
Opportunities through MCCSC have allowed Gilbert’s future educator preparation — focused on teaching language arts — to begin as early as his freshman year. At The Academy, Gilbert has benefitted from a project-based learning approach, and he has written a children’s book, a story for National Novel Writing Month, and a script for an original skit that was shared with his cohort. While project-based learning is implemented across MCCSC schools, The Academy is endorsed by the New Tech Network, and emphasizes a project-based, problem-based learning model in alignment with Indiana Standards.
“Each project is a month long,” shared Gilbert. “So, you actually get to really do it and put your full soul into it.”
Project-based learning also allows students to connect their creativity and academic pursuits. BHSN junior Yena Park is a standout example. While juggling a demanding schedule filled with AP courses, she’s managed to channel both her artistic talents and academic drive—earning a perfect score of 36 on the ACT.
Less than one quarter of one percent of all ACT test takers earn this achievement, and Park credits the quality of MCCSC curricula for aiding her success.
“I’m in a bunch of advanced classes, and the ACT is mostly based on the school curriculum,” said Park. “I felt like it gave me an edge ahead of some other test-takers.”
Park’s plans include attending an Ivy League university and eventually pursuing a medical degree. Her love of drawing, however, remains a meaningful hobby and creative outlet, supported by four years and eight levels of drawing courses offered at BHSN to strengthen her résumé.
While MCCSC students are well-prepared for success in their careers and higher education, it is their well-rounded approach—shaped by many curricular and extracurricular opportunities—that has enhanced their high school experiences.
Families can learn more about early college and career preparation opportunities, including 26 different Career & Technical Education pathways, at MCCSC’s secondary education website.
