The Straughn High School Career Association (JAG) took part in the NCA State Career Development Conference in Birmingham on 7 March, and finished within the top three places in four events.
SHS took first place at the Project-based learning Showcase. This was the second year in a row the PBL team was first across the whole state. Straughn placed second for both Business Plan and Financial Literacy competitions. The final competition involved the L.O.V.E. Project, at which the school was ranked third. Because of their top three positions Students who participated in these activities will be invited towards an NCA National Career Development Conference between 19 and 23 April in Orlando.
JAG Specialist Kaci Perry was extremely satisfied with her students for their dedication and dedication during the event.
“It’s an absolute pleasure to see students be recognized for their efforts,” Perry said. “Every one of them is faced with obstacles, whether it is academic, social or emotional. A lot of them began the school year scared to be in front of the class and give a speech and are now present at a national competition. I am grateful for the chance to help these students every day. They are learning new skills that will allow them to succeed in whatever field they decide to do in their lives and creating amazing memories in the process .”
In the showcase for project-based learning the NCA students create a presentation that highlights a particular subject that was studied in which PBL methods of teaching were used to teach the JAG skills. Shaylee Harrison, Kyera Harris and Shaylee among the four students that finished with the top spot at this competition.
“In JAG, I’ve grown to understand that your past will not harm you, only if you choose to let it. In the alternative, allow it to define your life,” Harrison said. “This is the most memorable experience that I’ve had during my high school experience. Thanks to Perry, Mrs. Perry for helping me get out into my own comfort zone to do things I didn’t think I could accomplish,” Harris added.
The business plan competition gives participants the opportunity to collaborate to create a plan to start a small company. Hayden Blair and Hallie Goodman were among the four participants who earned second place.
“JAG has been a great help to me in a variety of areas in my daily life. It has allowed me to move out from my comfortable zone and develop new leadership abilities that I consider essential to become the person I would like to be,”” Blair stated. “I am extremely satisfied with what our team as well as I were accomplished this year together with JAG. We have worked hard to get to nationals and we worked well together as a team. I’m eager to see what the nationals have to offer our team,” Goodman said.
Mallory Hall is in her second year in her time in the JAG Program located at Straughn and has been a participant in the event for business plans twice.
“I recall having it on my first schedule at school and thinking what was this class. I didn’t realize it would become so influential in the course of my career,” Hall said. “JAG has provided me with the most rewarding opportunities, and this is due to my advisor Mrs. Kaci Perry. She has challenged my peers myself and I to achieve the highest that we could be. And now because of her, I’ll be taking part in the second National Career Development Conference. I am beyond thrilled and grateful for this chance via JAG .”>
The event promotes NCA members to learn the skills necessary to be financially literate which can include budgeting, money management banks, interest rates, bank accounts basic investing, credit cards conserving money as well as financial security. Sylvia Worley was named second spot in this competition.
Orrin Douglas has joined JAG this year and stated that JAG has helped to make new friends.
“JAG has assisted me in improving my leadership capabilities, my social skills, and abilities to work in teams. Together with my business plan co-workers Hallie, Mallory, and Hayden we achieved the first place at district and the second at the state level. I’m hoping that we can to take home the national title however, if we do not I’m grateful to have the opportunity to be part of this talented group of individuals,” he said.
Sierra Bobo first joined the JAG program in the ninth grade. She stated that she really loved it from the time she entered the tenth grade. She didn’t participate on the L.O.V.E. Project until the year she was she was a senior.
“We had a new teacher during my sophomore year and I enjoyed her. She made it so enjoyable, and although she pleaded with me to participate in competitions but I didn’t do it until I reached the age of senior in this year’s class. The L.O.V.E. Project was a lot of fun and enjoyable. I’m glad I completed this and continued to be in JAG. It helped me learn some amazing things and life techniques. I’d like to extend an enormous thank you for Mrs. Perry for encouraging me to complete the L.O.V.E. Project, as I now get the opportunity to go to Orlando with my whole group of acquaintances,” Bobo said.
It will be the third time in a row that Straughn’s JAG program is competing nationally. 2021 was a virtual competition which saw the school finish at the top of the list in the PBL showcase and employability events. 2022 was the very first in-person national competition, in which SHS placed fourth at the PBL showcase and was sixth in the business plan competition.
“When you consider the struggles and stress in life and want to give up, remember that you’re not by yourself. This is what I’ve learned by being part of JAG the past year.” Harleigh Dixon said.
For more information about the state and national competitions, go to jag.org or alabamajag.org or call Straughn High School at 334-222-2511.
“We would like to send our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed dresses for our students as well as the people who contributed snacks for our pantry of food items. We are blessed to have wonderful community members and are looking forward to seeing our students taking on national competitions for the second time,” Perry said.
The article Straughn JAG students among winners at the conference was first published in The Andalusia Star-News.
