On Friday, February 17th, 13 of the JAG students competed at the Regional Career Development Conference. They went up against 8 other schools in our region and presented in front of judges that are from various businesses. The following students placed in their chosen category.
Jacob Shimer (Creative Solutions) 3rd place: In Creative Solutions, the students design and construct an object using only the supplies provided. This encourages students to utilize creativity, problem-solving skills, and design ability to create a functional object that illustrates an understanding of basic physics, construction, and engineering.
Hannah Mosby (Financial Literacy) 3rd place: In Financial Literacy, students complete a budget under specific guidelines and discuss their choices at the competition in an interview with the judges. This is to allow students to demonstrate their financial literacy and ability to be good managers of their own money.
Blake Boyd and Gabe Hinton (Entrepreneurship) 2nd place: This is a team (up to 3) or individual event for 2023. Students develop a written business plan and present their company concept as if they were presenting it to potential investors. This is to encourage students to analyze industry information, improve their ability to make presentations, and communicate ideas through the written business feasibility plan and “pitch deck.”
Ivy Cook (Cover Design/Digital Invitation) 1st place: For this category, the student creates a computer-generated State Career Development Conference “Digital Invitation” (Save the Date) AND a State Finals program cover design. The digital invitation will be sent to prospective attendees and used on social media. The Cover Design will be on the front of the in-person State Finals Career Development Conference program. Competitors use the same design but submit it in two different styles with slightly different information on both. This category is to demonstrate graphic design and technology skills, as well as artistic, creative, and imaginative abilities.
The following 1st place winners will advance to the State Competition to compete against JAG students from all over Indiana. The State CDC will be in Indy on March 17th.
Shelby Neese (Outstanding Senior) 1st place: The student completed a detailed resume and essay and submit their high school transcripts, reference letters, and proof of acceptance to the college they plan to attend, and completed the application form to be considered for this prestigious regional, state, and national award. The JAG Outstanding Senior award recognizes the senior who most exemplifies the JAG spirit through his/her commitment to education, the world of work, community service, and leadership. In addition to consideration for the JAG Indiana Outstanding Senior award, regional winners are also submitted to JAG National for consideration for the Ken Smith Scholarship. Only Outstanding Seniors should be considered from Indiana for the Ken Smith Scholarship. The JAG Outstanding Senior award is considered to be the most prestigious of all the competitions.
Justin Leeds (Employability Skills) 1st place: Students apply and interview for an entry-level position that would reasonably exist on a college campus. This category is to enable students to demonstrate their ability to apply for and secure employment through proficiency in the job application process and interview situations.
Rya Graves (Critical Thinking) 1st place: In this category, students demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skills by reviewing problematic situations, creating and presenting on a plan of action/response, and justifying the choices they made. This is to encourage students to think about situations critically and thoroughly, arrive at a decision, build confidence in dealing with problems, consider alternate points of view, and strengthen his/her communication skills.
The brochure that several of the JAG students created also received a 1st place trophy and will represent Pike Central JAG at the state competition. Only one brochure can be submitted from each school. Students created a brochure that highlights their JAG program and encourages students to join. The brochure notes service learning events conducted by the chapter.