Huntingburg, Indiana — OFS and Southridge High School proudly celebrated the graduation of the inaugural class of the Crafted program. This partnership blends hands-on learning, advanced manufacturing, and real-world experience to prepare students for meaningful careers.

The first cohort of seven students completed the program this week, marking a major milestone for both the school and OFS. During a special ceremony, school leaders, OFS executives, educators, and community members gathered to recognize students’ achievements and the program’s impact.

“What you see in this program is something really special,” said Southridge Principal Greg Gogel. “If you go to Southridge and flip over any desk or flip over any chair, there’s a little sticker that has the students’ names on it. They can come back years later and say, ‘I made this.’ That’s cool.”

Launched through a collaboration between OFS and Southridge High School, Crafted (which stands for Career Routes Around Furniture, Technology, Engineering, and Design) was developed in just a few short months after OFS leadership identified an opportunity to support technical education, elements of STEM, and hands-on craftsmanship, equipping students with real-world skills across multiple disciplines. OFS provided facilities, equipment, and mentorship, while the school integrated the program into its curriculum.

“We really didn’t know what we were getting into when we first started it, but we couldn’t be more proud of the seven of you sitting up front here today,” said Cory Menke, Chief Operations Officer at OFS. “The goal of Crafted was never just to teach a skill; it was to spark awareness—awareness that craftsmanship still matters, that opportunity exists right here, and that our future is built by the hands willing to learn.”

For John Becher, Sr. VP of Organizational Strategy and Development at OFS, the program represents something deeply personal. “When you walk into that classroom and see students fully engaged, designing, building, and taking pride in what they’ve created, you realize this is bigger than a program,” Becher said. “It’s about giving young people a sense of direction and belief in themselves. Watching this first group of students grow in confidence and capability has been incredibly meaningful. This is how we invest in people, and it’s how we build a stronger future for our community.”

Inside the Crafted classroom, students don’t just study concepts; they bring them to life. From woodworking and design to advanced manufacturing techniques, students learn to read blueprints, operate machinery, and create finished products such as chairs, desks, bookshelves, and cabinets that are now used throughout the school.

The program emphasizes mentorship and purpose as much as technical ability. Students work alongside experienced professionals who guide them through challenges and help them build confidence in their craft.

“It’s cool to learn about all these machines and how they work,” said Southridge senior Owen Blessinger, reflecting on his experience in the program and his time working with OFS.

Crafted is part of a broader vision to reimagine education through partnerships between schools and industry. It demonstrates how communities can create meaningful pathways for students, whether they pursue careers directly after graduation or continue their education.

“Because of these efforts and believing in our vision, we’re now ahead of the curve in the State of Indiana on what the diploma looks like and what experiences need to be there,” Gogel said during the ceremony.

At its core, Crafted represents more than a class; it is an investment in the future of students and the community. By connecting education with real-world application, the program empowers students to see themselves as builders, creators, and innovators.

As the inaugural class graduates, the success of Crafted signals the beginning of something much larger, proof that when a community invests in its young people, the future can be built right at home.