Also, DAR visits Jerome Cemetery; Syndicate Sales to ‘Petal It Forward,’ Oct. 14

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Ivy Tech Community College has once again broken its record for completions, reaching 57,525 in the 2025-2026 academic year.

That includes 2,569 completions earned by students in the six-county Kokomo Service Area, a 36-percent increase from 1,891 just two years ago and a 15-percent increase when compared to 2,232 a year ago. Ivy Tech’s Kokomo service area includes Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Pulaski, and Tipton counties.

The number of statewide completions, which represent students earning third-party certifications or Ivy Tech certificates, technical certificates, or associate degrees, was more than 5,000 above the College’s goal. The numbers were finalized this month, following the calculation of third-party certifications.

The most recent total was 10 percent higher than the 2024-2025 academic year and up 38 percent in the last five years.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for all of Ivy Tech and is another sign of our value to students and the state of Indiana. We are helping connect Hoosiers with tangible certifications and degrees that will help them meet their career and life goals,” Ivy Tech President Marty Pollio said.

“Each of those completions represents a new opportunity for a student,” said Ethan Heicher, chancellor of Ivy Tech Kokomo, “and their personal achievement creates a stronger and more resilient community that each of us lives in, works in and enjoys. I hope those students, in their individual achievement, feel the same pride and joy our campus team feels as we share in their success.”

The breakdown of completions by type in the Kokomo Service Area in the 2025-2026 academic year was:

• 808 third-party certifications (short-term credentials recognized by business and industry),
• 677 certificates (less than one year of required coursework),
• 616 technical certificates (one year of required coursework), and
• 468 associate degrees (two years of required coursework).

Ivy Tech offers 84 short-term certifications across 10 issuers, including the American Welding Society (AWS), Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) and Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC).

DAR visits Jerome Cemetery

Members of the General James Cox chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognized the service and patriotism of veterans buried at Jerome Cemetery in the town of Jerome, in eastern Howard County.

Members were treated to a history of the cemetery by member Heather White prior to placing flags at the graves of veterans buried there.

Syndicate Sales to ‘Petal It Forward,’ Oct. 14

On Wednesday, October 14, Syndicate Sales will once again take to the streets of downtown Kokomo for Petal It Forward, a nationwide goodwill initiative organized by the Society of American Florists (SAF).

Beginning at 12 noon near Howard County’s courthouse square, Syndicate team members will distribute approximately 200 bouquets to 100 people. Each person will receive two: one to keep and one to give away, creating another opportunity to brighten someone’s day.

This year’s event takes on added significance as Syndicate Sales celebrates 80 years in Kokomo. Company leaders and team members will volunteer together, personally sharing bouquets and connecting with members of the community.

“For 80 years, Syndicate Sales has been proud to call Kokomo home,” said Matt Jones, Vice President of Sales. “Flowers have a wonderful way of connecting people. Petal It Forward gives us a chance to share that experience with our friends and neighbors and invite them to pass it on.”

Research shared by the Society of American Florists, supported by university studies, continues to demonstrate the emotional benefits of flowers:

• Giving feels just as good as receiving: 88 percent of Americans say giving flowers makes them happy, while 80 percent say receiving flowers makes them happy.

• Boosts everyday moods: 76 percent agree that having flowers at home or work improves how they feel.

• Best reason is “just because”: 92 percent of women, and three out of four men, say flowers given without a reason are the most meaningful.

Founded in Kokomo, Indiana, in 1946, Syndicate Sales is a third-generation, family-owned manufacturer, importer, and distributor serving the floral, grocery, and home & garden markets. In 2026, Syndicate proudly celebrates its 80th anniversary, continuing a legacy of innovation, industry expertise, customer service, and commitment to the communities it serves.

The Society of American Florists (SAF) is the national trade association for the floral industry, representing growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, importers, educators, and designers. SAF leads the industry in research, advocacy, and programs like Petal It Forward that promote the benefits of flowers. For more information about Petal It Forward and the benefits of flowers, visit safnow.org/petalitforward.