CTE Spotlight: Work Based Learning Program student Grace McLaughlin

February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month and Blue River Career Programs will be spotlighting its programs and a student from each program Monday through Friday in the Shelby County Post during the month of February.

The CTE spotlight today is Work Based Learning program student Grace McLaughlin (photo), who is currently enrolled in the Work Based Learning Internship Program.

"I chose WBL, so I could gain real life experiences working with attorney and judges on real cases,” said McLaughlin. “It is amazing to have your classroom at the courthouse and seeing first-hand what it will be like when I become an attorney specializing in criminal law."

McLaughlin is honored to be mentored by Jennifer Kinsley and her staff at the Shelby County Courthouse. She said it is all the real-life experience and knowledge she gains before and after the trials that will assist her in her goal to not just become an attorney, but one of the best.

McLaughlin’s competitive spirit is fueled by being a member of Morristown High School’s track and field and cross country programs. She currently holds the school’s cross country record and enjoys being part of Morristown’s cheerleaders.

McLaughlin is at the top of her graduating class. She never misses class and is polite, respectful, prepared, a great communicator, and willing to step up and volunteer to help in any way needed in her WBL class.

McLaughlin says she has learned a lot from her classmates like her to get out of school to learn and gain experience you can't get in school. She will continue pursuing her goal of becoming a top-notch attorney at Butler University.

The Work Based Learning Internship Program is designed to give seniors real life experience in the real world to make their transition from school to work. While in the classroom, students learn human relations, finance, management, customer service, time management, conflict resolution, public speaking, team building, goal setting, and topics of work. 

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