12/12/25 HCC Newsletter

Posted Date: 12/12/25 (03:06 PM)

News From the Hart

Davis H. Hart Career Center

December 12, 2025

HCC Student Spotlight: Jace DeVault, Senior Mexico HS, Automotive Technology

Jace DeVault is the student in spotlight, seen here working on a car wheel.

Nominated by Automotive teacher, Mr. Eric Paden

Jace shows up on time, daily ready to work. In the classroom or in the shop he quietly works hard and sets a good example for all of the other students. Jace has passed the ASE Certification testing this week and earns excellent grades each semester of the two year program. Jace has a bright future ahead in Automotive Mechanics or whatever path he chooses to pursue.

Career in Focus: Automotive Technology

Seniors in the automotive class work on an engine under the hood.

If you enjoy fixing up old rusty cars, working in the garage at home, or helping Dad or Grandpa fix up the old pick-up, the Automotive Technology Program at Hart Career Center is a great program for you to try out! The students love their instructor, Mr. Eric Paden, and they ultimately enjoy their work environment. In this program students will learn the basics of mechanics, common maintenance, and the importance of teamwork in the workplace. Students in the shop actually fix many vehicles for teachers at Hart Career Center and even students. Community members will also bring their vehicles in for work. Mr. Paden keeps the students moving quickly in order to fix and assess whatever mechanical problems that roll into the shop that day.

This week the Seniors took their ASE entry level certification exams in the areas of Maintenance and Light Repair, Suspension and Steering, as well as Brakes. In January, they will take the newly added Industry Credential in Electrical/ Electronic Systems. Jace DeVault a Senior at Mexico High School says, “Critical thinking and problem solving are skills that you will learn and/or develop in this class.” Every student enjoys the environment of the class. Edward Powell and Westin Stube are both Seniors at Montgomery High School, they said that they “enjoy the friend group in the class and that they become like family.”

If you are looking at becoming a mechanic then this program sets up the groundwork for your future. Sam Stevens, a Senior at Fulton High School says, “This program sets the stage for the future of your career if you are looking to go into the workforce.” So, if you’re looking for a great program that will help you now and later, or just looking for a nice friend group, then this program is for you!

Jackson Mikel from Paris HS and Trenton Ray from North Callaway HS work to repair a transmission.

HCC Events

12/15 & 12/16 Diesel Seniors take ASE certification exams.

12/19 Students who were featured as a Student Spotlight in semester 1 will draw for gift card prizes.

12/22/25 - 1/5/26 Winter Break.

1/9/26 IEC Electrical Union program will visit the Construction class.

In their best Ugly Sweaters,

HCC Staff wish you Happy Holidays!

CTSO spotlight: SKILLSUSA Leadership Day

November 14, 2025

Hart Career Center students who earned SKILLSUSA pins stand in recognition.

Hart Career Center students who earned SKILLSUSA leadership pins stand in recognition.

SkillsUSA is a national non-profit career and technical student organization that empowers students at Hart Career Center and beyond to become world-class workers, leaders, and responsible citizens. It provides training and experiences that can help develop many of each student’s personal and occupational skills. SkillsUSA prepares students for the demands of the workforce through its foundation of personal, workplace, and technical skills grounded in academics. SkillsUSA’s mission is to empower students to become skilled professionals, ready for their career, and responsible community members. SkillsUSA has had students from many programs at Hart Career Center such as, welding, automotive mechanics, marketing, cosmetology, and more.

HCC Students participate in SKILLS Leadership competition.

Ms. Carley Ezell, Graphic Arts instructor, is the lead advisor of the HCC SkillsUSA chapter. "Each year we have exceptional students participating and competing at the district, state and national levels. SkillsUSA provides a way for students to network and experience their preferred industry with like minded students and professionals. Scholarships, leadership incentives and competitive contests provide a way to show off the skills they have developed during their time at HCC" said Ms. Ezell. SkillsUSA is a great way to meet new people and become a leader in your classroom while gaining valuable experience through leadership activities and competitions throughout the year.

On November 14th, SKILLSUSA advisors Ms. Carley Ezell and Mrs. DeIla Ray took a large group of students to the campus of Moberly Area Community College where they learned and demonstrated leadership skills.

905 North Wade • Mexico, MO • 573-581-5684