Raymore-Peculiar LEAD Center proudly recognized 64 outstanding senior students who have participated in one or two years of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including Carpentry, Electrical, Heavy Equipment Operation (HEO), HVAC, and Machining and Manufacturing (CIMM).
These students collectively logged over 24,198 documented supervised internship hours in their respective trades. With an estimated average internship wage of $18 per hour, this equates to $435,564 in earned experience — a conservative figure, given the known aversion many tradespeople have toward paperwork.
“We know this estimate is likely on the low side,” said Director Abe Lewis. “Trade students are not always fond of paperwork, but their work ethic and skill development speak volumes.”
Student of the Year Awards
Each program honored a Student of the Year, selected based on criteria including attendance, academic performance, work ethic, future plans, program engagement, and leadership. The selection process was highly competitive, as many students excelled in multiple categories.
The first award presented was for Heavy Equipment Operation, with Jace Boney (pictured below), a senior at Midway High School, receiving a $250 scholarship sponsored by Comfort Systems Heating and Cooling - Logan Conway. Jace placed 2nd in the SkillsUSA Heavy Equipment Competition and demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and personal growth.
All award-winning seniors graduating from Ray-Pec High School received a $250 scholarship sponsored by a coalition of generous business partners through the Ray-Pec School Foundation:
United Heating and Cooling
All Hours Heating & Cooling
Eichman Sales Associates
Pro Mechanical
Dobson Family
Balance Point Heating and Cooling
Bart’s Electric
PM Contracting
Murphy Tractor & Equipment Company
2025 Career and Technical Education Students of the Year
Carpentry: Hunter Anderson (below)
Electrical: Chase Hilton (below)
HVAC: Brayden Hulen (below)
CIMM (Machining & Manufacturing): Jocelyn Smith (below)
These awards celebrate not just academic achievement, but also the hands-on experience and character these students bring to Missouri’s skilled workforce. The Ray-Pec School District and its community partners are proud to support their continued success in high-demand trades.