Shannon Davis, a teacher for Neelyville High School, and senior Dominik Burns were selected to be guests of honor at Gov. Mike Parsons’ recent State of the State address in Jefferson City.
The pair were chosen to represent Jobs for America's Graduates, a program that specializes in career placement and training for underprivileged students. NHS has 55 members and the junior high has 35, according to Davis.
She relayed that First Lady Teresa Parsons has taken a special interest in the JAG program and visited Neelyville schools several times. Davis and Burns were selected at random to attend the event.
The pair were treated to a memorable reception where both met the governor and first lady.
“It was pretty fun,” Burns recalled.
Afterward, Davis and Burns attended the State of the State address where they were recognized along with three JAG alumni in the workforce, college and an apprenticeship. After the speech, the pair were interviewed by various media outlets.
They finished their time with a picture on the steps of the governor’s mansion.
“It was just a blessed and wonderful day,” Davis said.
Burns credits the JAG program with helping him to learn the interpersonal skills needed to succeed in an interview. He used this newfound acumen to land a job as a lifeguard at the Black River Coliseum.
Burns hopes to attend Arkansas State University to study criminology and become a police officer.
Both Davis and Burns expressed their gratitude for being selected and for JAG’s continued work for Missouri youth