The Crossing School of Business and Entrepreneurship held its annual banquet Tuesday evening at the Edward Jones building at the Clinton County Fairgrounds. 225 people attended the event catered by the Angry Donkey to show support for the 82 students attending the Crossing. Each year the Crossing graduates about 45 students who find the environment at the Crossing a better fit to complete secondary education.
87% of graduating crossing students go on to higher education, military or full time employment. Many graduating students are able to remain in the Clinton County community to contribute to the local workforce and economy.
One goal of the banquet, sponsored by the local Crossing board of directors, was to tell the Crossing story to the community. Another goal was to raise funds to help support the unique mission of the Crossing School. The Crossing in Clinton County partners with Schools in Clinton, Carroll, Boone and Hamilton counties by offering a path to graduate that is customized to the needs of each student.
The Crossing banquet Master of Ceremonies Shan Sheridan introduced Crossing CEO and Superintendent Ryan Hill, who recently replaced Crossing Founder Robert R. Staley. Hill gave a report on the State-wide progress of the Crossing system now at 10 campuses throughout the state. Sheridan also interviewed former student and Crossing Graduate, Wally, now working a Co-Alliance in Clinton County. He told the story of his academic walk and how the Crossing was an excellent fit that enabled him to complete his degree and go on to a productive rewarding career that continues to unfold.
I.U. basketball icon Kent Benson was scheduled to speak at the banquet but was unable to be here due to a serious family illness. Anne Hazlett, director of government relations for Purdue University shared her experiences relating to addressing youth opioid problems and lessons learned while serving in the Trump Whitehouse. Much of the success of developing positive outcomes in any school system including systems that are working like the Crossing, comes down to relationships with students, said Hazlett. Hazlett has chosen Clinton County as her home after her time in Washington, Indianapolis in the Mitch Daniels administration and now working as the Director of Government Relations for Purdue. She is an admirer of the Crossing model and says the post graduation numbers speak for themselves.
The Crossing School in Clinton County hopes to raise $50,000 from the event.
