Principal's Message

As we conclude the month of May at Lake County Tech Campus, we are proud to celebrate so many exciting accomplishments and milestones across our school community. From Teacher Appreciation Week and Student of the Year recognitions to celebrating our Raffle Car Winner and many other achievements, this time of year reminds us how much our students and staff have accomplished together.

This is also an especially meaningful season for many of our students as they participate in commencement ceremonies and celebrate major milestones in their educational journeys. These celebrations reflect the hard work, determination, and support systems that help students move forward toward new opportunities in college, careers, and beyond.

We proudly celebrate the graduating Class of 2026 and wish them continued success as they become part of the growing Tech Campus alumni network. At the same time, we are already looking ahead to August as we welcome new students to Tech Campus and reconnect with many returning students continuing into year two of their designated programs. Check out the video below to hear more about some of our great accomplishments this year!

While students and staff enjoy a well-deserved summer break, Tech Campus will continue working throughout the summer preparing for another successful school year ahead.

We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable summer and encourage you to look forward to our newsletters throughout June, July, and August as we continue sharing updates, partnerships, student success stories, and preparations for the 2026–2027 school year.

Mr. Derrick Burress

Principal

Over 1,200 tickets Sold

One Lucky Winner

The 2026 Car Raffle has officially come to a close, and the winning ticket was selected during our Facebook Live drawing on May 13th! While one participant will drive away with the grand prize, our Tech Campus students are the true winners. This year’s raffle raised $12,170, directly supporting our annual tool scholarship program that provides graduating students with professional tool kits valued at over $5,000.

These scholarships help launch students into their careers in the skilled trades with the tools and confidence they need for success.

Thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and supported our students. Your impact is real, and it lasts far beyond the drawing.

Celebrating Our Students

Student Recognition Night was a truly memorable celebration of the incredible accomplishments of our students throughout the school year. Surrounded by family, friends, instructors, and staff, the evening highlighted the hard work, dedication, and growth that define the Tech Campus experience.

Throughout the night, we proudly recognized our 176 SkillsUSA participants, our scholarship recipients, and our Tech Campus Student of the Year. Each recognition reflected not only individual achievement, but also the commitment, perseverance, and passion our students bring to their programs every day.

The evening was filled with excitement, pride, and celebration as we honored students for their accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. It was a powerful reminder of the talent and potential within our Tech Campus community.

We are incredibly proud of all our students and the success they have achieved this year, and we look forward to seeing all they will continue to accomplish in the future.

Celebrating Our Student of the Year

We are proud to introduce Samantha, Warren Township High School, as the Tech Campus Student of the Year. Samantha’s journey at Tech Campus reflects the value of career and technical education, combining classroom learning, hands-on training, and real-world work experience to prepare for future success. A two-year student in our automotive skills she has demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a strong work ethic. Students like Samantha represent the future of the workforce and the impact of partnerships between education and industry. We congratulate Samantha on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the future.

Congratulations to our five Tool Scholarship winners!

This year, Samantha from Warren Township High School, Grant from Home School, Illia from Warren Township High School, Francisco from North Chicago Community High School, and Joseph from Antioch Community High School were each awarded professional tool kits valued at more than $5,000 to support them as they begin their careers in the skilled trades.

These scholarships are made possible through the incredible support of our community, industry partners, the success of our annual raffle car fundraiser, and the continued partnership of Auto-Wares, a major supporter of the Tool Scholarship program. This year’s raffle vehicle was repaired and restored by students in our Auto Service and Collision Repair programs, showcasing the incredible talent and hands-on skills students develop at Tech Campus.

A special thank you also goes to Justin Hoffman from Kunes Auto, Jaime Offutt from Gordy’s Marine, and Mr. Dave Sanderson, Tech Campus Auto Instructor, for serving on the Tool Scholarship Committee and taking the time to interview all scholarship applicants. Their support and dedication help ensure students are recognized and prepared for success as they enter the workforce.

The Tool Scholarship program continues to create meaningful opportunities for students entering the workforce by helping provide the professional equipment needed to begin successful careers in the trades. We are incredibly proud of these students and look forward to seeing all they accomplish in the future.

Say Hello to the Class of 2039!

Our Preschool Graduation was lively, fun, and filled with smiles as we celebrated an important milestone for our youngest learners! Families, students, and staff gathered together for a joyful event recognizing the growth, creativity, and accomplishments of our preschool students throughout the year.

This celebration not only highlighted the achievements of our preschool graduates, but also showcased the hard work and dedication of our high school Early Education students and teachers who help make the preschool program such a meaningful experience. Their leadership, care, and commitment truly shined throughout the event.

A special thank you to all of the parents and families for their continued support throughout the school year.

Interested in enrolling your child in the Tech Campus Preschool Program? Visit Tech Campus Preschool for more information.

Celebrating Our Honored Tech Campus Partners

We recently had the honor of celebrating and recognizing our T.E.C.H. Industry Partner Nominees and Community Partner of the Year. Their continued partnership, mentorship, and support play a vital role in creating meaningful opportunities for our students both inside and outside the classroom.

From career exploration and work-based learning experiences to investing their time, mentorship, and resources into education, these partners help students gain real-world experience, build confidence, and prepare for successful futures.

Their support extends far beyond the classroom and creates opportunities that inspire students to explore careers, develop professional skills, and connect learning directly to the workforce. Through these partnerships, students are able to see the real-world impact of their education and better understand their future goals and career pathways.

We are incredibly grateful for the dedication our industry and community partners continue to show toward career and technical education. We are proud to recognize the positive impact they make on our students, programs, and community each and every day.