Neelyville JAG students place 8th in nation

Placing eighth in the nation at the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Championship in Orlando, Florida, was a lifetime experience for four Neelyville High School juniors.

Lora Ainley, Gracie Green, Julia Hicks and Jasmyn Larson earned the right to compete April 17-23 in the national event by placing third in the state, said Shannon Davis, the school’s JAG sponsor.

“Neelyville has never been to nationals for JAG,” Davis said. “We have competed two years in a row at the state level, but we didn’t win last year at state, so we couldn’t go to nationals.”

Davis explained they competed in a knowledge bowl, testing their knowledge of Jobs For America’s graduates and the history of this organization, so they didn’t have any projects but they did use the same study materials to help better prepare them for the competition

Ainley said, “This trip to nationals meant the world to me, it really allowed me to grow in all aspects of my life, especially in my confidence. JAG is an amazing program that supports young people and prepares them for the future and their careers. I personally love how supportive everyone in JAG is. You don’t have to be ashamed of where you came from or what you are learning because JAG is a family, joined together by struggles and reaching for a successful future. This trip was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience and will stay with me as I take on the future and what it holds for me.”

Green agreed the competition meant a lot to her.

“It was an experience not very many people get to do and I am very grateful,” she said. “It was the adventure of a lifetime and it opened new doors for me and gave me mentors and people to look up to on a daily basis in life.”

Describing the trip as special, Hicks said, “We worked very hard to get through the state so it was great to be able to represent our state in Florida. It was amazing to meet new people and expand our knowledge on careers that are not only in Missouri but all across the nation.”

Larson said the national competition was not only “a once-in-a-lifetime” experience, but a learning experience.

“It taught me the importance of how to be an outstanding student, especially in JAG. I love how JAG welcomes people with open arms and you do not have to feel judged. It has brought me a level of confidence I never thought I would have before. I am so thankful for JAG and every opportunity it has given me. I will forever remember all the memories and friends I have made,” she said.

Ainley also described her deep connection to JAG, and how she feels it supports her peers throughout their education.

“JAG is important to students because it exposes them to all of the career paths they may want to take and provides them with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve their goals in life and in their education. Students often feel disappointed in themselves when they fail at something but the JAG program is always there, being an amazing support system,” she said. “I feel as if every student needs something like this in their lives to help better prepare them for the future and what they want to achieve in life itself. Jobs For America’s Graduates really does support their young people and gives them hope to never give up, whether it be on their goals or on themselves.”

JAG is important for students, agreed Green, because “it helps them focus on the skills they will use in their daily lives, prepares them for the future and provides lifelong memories and friends along with opening the doors and warming young adults hearts that might not feel the same.”

Hicks added, “JAG has opened my eyes to many new career opportunities. It has also brought me out of my comfort zone.”

“I feel as if JAG is an important class for students to have because it teaches them not just employability skills but life skills as well. It teaches students to not be afraid to stand out,” Larson said.

The girls’ parents are Charles and Kim Hicks, Lisa Hodge, Tom Hodge, Nick and Kara Larson and David and Mary Ainley.

On behalf of Neelyville JAG, Davis said, “I would like to thank people for all that was done for our girls and all students across Missouri as they traveled to the National Career Development Conference.”

JAG-Missouri provided the chartered flight, the meals on the flights to and from Orlando as well as money for meals for the students and specialists while they were in Florida. First Lady Teresa Parson provided $100 to each girl to shop for clothing prior to the conference.

The state organization also provided matching T-shirts and provided tickets to Orlando’s Fun Spot amusement park and to Universal Studios.

Davis said she is thankful to the state for everything done behind the scenes to make the trip run like clockwork, and to the Neelyville R-IV School administration, faculty and staff for the encouragement and support provided to the students.

“My heart is full and I am blessed to soon be starting my 30th year in education this coming fall, doing a job that I absolutely love,” Davis said.