Indian Creek High School Honored with Statewide Excellence in College and Career Award
October 6, 2026 Author: Indian Creek Schools
Indian Creek High School and Creek Cattle Company are being recognized for something that has always been at the heart of The Creek: giving students opportunities to learn by doing and preparing them for what comes next.
The Indiana Department of Education recognized ICHS with the 2026 Excellence in College and Career Award during the fifth annual Indiana Educational Excellence Awards Gala on Friday, October 2, in Indianapolis.
Indian Creek was one of just 15 schools, corporations, and partner organizations recognized during the event, which brought together more than 550 educators and guests from across Indiana. ICHS and Creek Cattle Company received a $20,000 award.
The Excellence in College and Career Award recognizes schools that excel at bringing real-world learning to life and creating meaningful connections between classroom instruction and authentic experiences.
For Indian Creek, Creek Cattle Company is a great example of that work.
Through the program, students can experience agriculture in a way that goes far beyond a traditional classroom lesson. They take on real responsibilities, work with livestock, build problem-solving and business skills, and experience the rewards and challenges of managing an authentic agricultural operation.
Agriculture teachers Joe Dunn and Lauren Ulrich represented ICHS at the awards gala alongside ICHS principal Luke Skobel.
The recognition is especially meaningful because it represents the work of an entire school community.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of so many people, past and present, throughout our school corporation and community: school board members and central office administrators who support new opportunities; teachers who have built a strong foundation; our cafeteria staff who prepare and serve our beef; maintenance staff who help with our facilities; and community partners who help bring learning to life,” said Luke Skobel, ICHS Principal. “Creek Cattle Company is just one example of the many ways we connect classroom learning with meaningful experiences that prepare students for their next steps. This honor celebrates the collective efforts of our counselors, teachers, support staff, administrators, and community partners, along with our shared commitment to helping every student leave Indian Creek prepared for their future.”
For Indian Creek, the Excellence in College and Career Award celebrates the work already happening every day. It reminds us of the impact authentic learning experiences can have on students as they begin thinking about their futures.
"We are incredibly proud to see the work happening at Indian Creek recognized at the state level," said Matt Prusiecki, NHJ United School Corporation Superintendent. "This award is a reflection of the incredible collaboration between teachers, staff, students, and community members who work together to create unique opportunities for our students to grow and explore their interests while in school.”
Congratulations to everyone who helped make this statewide recognition possible!
