Program The Straughn High School Job Opportunities for Alabama’s Grads program saw 12 students compete in the NCA’s National Career Development Conference in Orlando starting on the 20th of April onwards until Saturday, April 22.
The NCA enhances the voice of students of JAG and offers opportunities to take on leadership, develop and be a champion on the local, state as well as national. The NCDC offers a platform to showcase their expertise and skills through and around the NCA Competitive Event Program. Participants also have the opportunity to greet, meet, and socialize with hundreds of other NCA members from across the United States.
The conference gives students the opportunity to take part in The Career and College Expo, seminars, and general sessions. The theme this year was “Together to Tomorrow.” JAG specialist Kaci Perry was extremely satisfied with the students she had.
“Every single one” of them was among the top 10 of the list. It’s not every program that can boast that. It was so enjoyable to see them all be recognized for their dedication. Alabama was there and stood how much they have earned. Thanks to the successes in our JAG students increasing numbers of students are requesting to be part of our program. Future prospects for Straughn JAG is bright,” Perry said.
The team of HallieGoodman, Orrin Douglas, and Mallory Hall was named national champions after achieving first place at the Business Plan category.
“Watching Our Business Plan team be named national champions was an experience that I’ll never forget. The reaction of the participants when they realized they had been crowned were amazing,” Perry said.
Goodman believed that the JAG program can help lead an enjoyable and fulfilled life.
“At NCDC this year, we gained life-skills that will be with us everywhere we go. We also learned incredible leadership abilities. There were some incredible speakers such as Darryl Bellamy Jr. who showed us that we are “fearless on the inner.’ NCDC was one of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences of my life. I wish every state could have the benefits of a JAG Program in the near future,” she stated.
Hall was happy with the experience and thoroughly enjoyed her experience at the conference.
“It was amazing to witness how the conference changed since the very first conference. I am truly blessed to have this chance. My team and I went into this contest hoping to be among the top ten teams and came out as national champions. I’m going to take it all with me and try to attend the next conference in 2013,” she said.
Douglas has said that having the opportunity to represent his state and school in Orlando was among the most memorable experiences of his life.
“I discovered new ways to prepare for interviews as well as new team-building abilities. I discovered that if collaborate to create an even brighter future. We were ranked first in the business plans, and the feeling I had was unlike anything else. I’m very grateful to have had this opportunity. I want to express my gratitude to my parents as well as my JAG specialist Mrs. Perry, for pushing me to give what I can,” he said.
The group of Cameron Wambles, Harleigh Dixon, Shaylee Harrison, and Kyera Harris took third place at the event titled Project-Based Learning Showcase.
“The 2023 NCDC was an amazing experience. I am grateful to be member of such an inspiring organization, and to have a wonderful specialist in Ms. Perry. I am very happy with my PBL team and my chapter, but more importantly, I am a fan of JAG,” Harrison said.
The team comprised of Sierra Bobo, Selena Bluck, Troy Bobo, and Raley VanDerryt took third place within the L.O.V.E. category for projects.
“Although we were exhausted and exhausted, we were able to see the bigger picture of JAG. The hard work and dedication of our team are finally paying off. From staying up until late at late nights to train for competition, and being able to walk from the event as an NCA champion, I could not be happier with my team. I’d like to express an extra special thank you for Mrs. Perry for always pushing me to achieve the best of me. I wouldn’t be here today in the first place if Mrs. Perry and my amazing community were not there for me. I’m grateful to finish my second year as a champion. Thank you to everyone for the wonderful encouragement and the memories of my journey with my team,” Troy Bobo said.
Sylvia Worley finished in seventh spot on Sylvia Worley’s seventh place finish in the Financial Literacy event.
Over 800 students from over 24 states participated at the NCA’s annual conference. Alabama, the state of Alabama was awarded the first prize in all categories, as well as the “Largest Delegation Award” with the presence of 141 delegate.
“I am incredibly happy to be a part of this wonderful organization. Alabama JAG goes above and above the standard to help prepare students for competitions at national level and for life in general. JAG is a place where students from all walks of life are taken and turns them into outstanding leaders. We help them reach their potential and provide them with the tools and opportunities to become successful. Students who aren’t allowed to publicly speak learn techniques and develop the confidence to earn national awards,” Perry stated.
For more information about the Straughn High School JAG program, email kaci.perry@cov.k12.al.us or call the SHS office at 334-222-2511.
The article Straughn JAG ranks in among the top 10 in national conference. Business Plan team wins the national championship was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
