AHS Senior Races Toward Bright Future

Avon High School Senior Ike Coleman models the power of networking, persistence, and hard work.

Ike has earned recognition as the AHS Work-Based Learning Intern of the Year for his on-site and academic internship work. During his time as a full-time student, he has blazed a career path that is fast-tracking his future prospects. We conducted an e-interview with Ike so he could explain. Keep reading to see what two of his educators say about Ike and his experience.

Tell us about your internship. How'd you get it? What kind of work have you been doing? What has it been like?

I am an intern at HMD Motorsports, an Indy NXT racing team based in Brownsburg. I have had opportunities to do and learn numerous things, including carbon fiber bodywork, car set-up, and front suspension prep. I have also been able to travel and work at events, like testing at Laguna Seca Raceway or the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. At the track, I'm a tire specialist. I'm responsible for retrieving sets from Firestone, marking and organizing them, collecting and sharing data with the engineers, and making pressure adjustments. It has been a great experience. I have been able to learn and grow both in my career and my general life experience. It has been very hard work, but I get to work with great people and take advantage of some unique opportunities.

It has been very hard work, but I get to work with great people and take advantage of some unique opportunities. Ike Coleman

What are your long-term plans and how has this helped you move in that direction?

My long term plans are to continue traveling with HMD over the summer, and then attend Purdue Indianapolis for degrees in Mechanical and/or Motorsports Engineering. I would like to make a career as an engineer for a racing team, whether that be in NASCAR, Indycar, or another series.

What advice would you give to other students who might be looking to develop their careers even before graduation?

I have three main pieces of advice: make connections, be persistent, and work hard. Making connections is vital for both knowledge and opportunities. I connected with HMD Engineers and Mechanics through Mr. Hill, and this was key in getting an opportunity. Being persistent in asking for opportunities and staying motivated when the going got tough has allowed me to get as far as I am. Finally, hard work is something that will set you apart and earn respect. I started out scrubbing floors and cutting grass. It wasn't enjoyable, but I worked hard and earned the respect of the team, and that has allowed them to trust me and depend on me, which has led to even more opportunities. Nobody can argue with work ethic!

I have three main pieces of advice: make connections, be persistent, and work hard. Ike Coleman

Ike, is there anything else you want to share?

I would also like to profusely thank Mr. Hill for offering his connections and encouraging me to do this. I would not be where I am today without his help and support. I would also like to thank Mr. Clark and Mr. Thompson for opportunities to engage with my career and get my name out there. This has been a great experience and I look forward to the future.

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We also asked AHS teachers Chris Hill and Adam Clark to weigh in on what Ike has accomplished. Here are their lightly edited answers to our questions.

Mr. Clark, tell us about the work based learning program and about Ike's involvement in it.

Avon High School offers a “Work-Based Learning” program, which is an internship program designed to connect classroom learning with real-world job experience for high school students. It is aimed at enhancing career readiness and integrates academic instruction with supervised worksite placements. This allows students to gain hands-on skills in various career fields. Ike is enrolled in WBL and works at HMD Motorsports, a national open wheel racing team that competes in Indy NXT. HMD motorsports operates an 80,000 square foot facility in Brownsburg and travels the country in competitive racing.

Work-based learning provides early access to emerging talent, allows mentorship opportunities, and builds a strong local workforce pipeline. Adam Clark

What would you tell employers in our community about providing these kinds of opportunities to AHS students?

We are always looking for community businesses to partner with. Work-based learning provides early access to emerging talent, allows mentorship opportunities, and builds a strong local workforce pipeline. Interns bring fresh perspectives, digital fluency, and enthusiasm to projects. Businesses help shape student’s career paths and introduce them to local industry. With support from our educators and a structured training plan, it’s a low-risk, high-reward way to give back to the community and cultivate future employees.

Mr. Hill, tell us about Ike. What's it like to have him as a student?

Ike is simply outstanding in every way as a student. He works hard, looks to learn the how and why, not just memorizing information. Lastly, he is a very kind and thoughtful student.

Ike is simply outstanding in every way as a student. Mr. Hill

How does it make you feel as an educator to see a student you're teaching putting his skills to work like Ike has done?

It is extremely rewarding, Ike is a driven and focused student, and a great example of what can happen when a student takes advantage of their opportunities.

To learn more about how Avon High School is preparing students to find and develop the skills and character they need to find and then thrive in their chosen careers, contact Mr. Clark and Mr. Hill.

Congratulations, Ike. We look forward to watching you speed toward your future!