Picture provided courtesy of Copper Country ISD Career & Technical Education Zander Worm, 2021 Calumet High School co-valedictorian and Career & Technical Education Automotive Technology Student, recently took home the 2021 FutureTechs Rock Grand Prize, which is a national award from the TechForce Foundation recognizing promising individuals who will shape the transportation industry. Worm was chosen from more than 400 students across the nation by a panel of expert judges and won in a popular online vote amongst 10 high school and community college finalists.

HANCOCK — Recently, Calumet High School senior Zander Worm was announced as the 2021 TechForce Foundation’s FutureTechs Rock Awards grand prize winner.

“This award is more of a community award and representation of the Copper Country Strong motto and how the community backs their own,” said Worm, a resident of Ahmeek.

Worm is a student in the Copper Country ISD Career & Technical Education in the Automotive Technology program.

Worm secured the largest number of votes and was named the grand prize winner, earning a $1,000 TechForce Foundation tuition scholarship and $1,500 in prizes from TechForce sponsors including training and prizes from Advance Auto Parts, a Smart Parts Washer from CRC Industries, a gift card from AutoZone and an iPad Air from Ford Motor Company. In the fall he plans to attend Michigan Technological University where he will continue his goal of one day becoming the lead engineer for General Motors Corvette Division.

As a nonprofit dedicated to helping students achieve their professional dreams, TechForce created this prestigious award to honor our student technician community and recognize those who have a promising future and will shape the transportation industry.

From May 3-7, People’s Choice public voting took place as TechForce followers cast thousands of votes among 10 national category winners who were selected from more than 400 technician students by a panel of expert judges. This year’s nominees represented more than 75 unique schools in 39 states, including at least 32 high schools and 43 postsecondary schools.

“It’s like everything else, I’m looking forward to building stuff, breaking stuff, then fixing it again to gain more practical experience,” he said when asked about what he is looking forward to doing with the prizes that are coming his way from this honor. “The tuition money will be well used to aid my hope of graduating debt free from college to start life and a career clean from debt.”

In regards to his experience with the CCISD Career & Technical Education, he is appreciative for the opportunity that has been provided to him for two years in the program.

“It’s more than bookwork,” he said. “It’s the opportunity to gain a well-rounded experience.”