Straughn JAG finished top 10 in the national conference. The business plan team won the national championship – Andalusian Star News

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From Thursday, April 20, through Saturday, April 22, Strawn High School had 12 students compete in the Alabama Graduate Program at the NCA National Career Development Conference.

Straughn received first place in business planning and was awarded as a national champion. Pictured, from left, are Hallie Goodman, Orrin Douglas and Mallory Hall. (Featured photo)

Straughn earned third place in the project-based learning showcase. Pictured, from left, are Cameron Wambles, Harley Dixon, Shaylee Harrison and Kiera Harris. (Featured photo)

Straughn finished fourth in the LoVE project. Pictured, from left, are Sierra Bobo, Selena Block, Troy Bobo and Raleigh Vanderritt. (Featured photo)

Sylvia Worley of Straunts earned seventh place in financial education. (Featured photo)

Strawn High School’s Jobs for Alabama Graduates program had 12 students compete at the National Career Association’s National Career Development Conference in Orlando from Thursday, April 20, to Saturday, April 22.

NCA expands the student voice and provides opportunities to lead, learn and advocate at the local, state and national levels. NCDC provides a showcase for their skills and expertise in the NCA’s competitive events programme. Attendees will receive the opportunity to meet, greet and mingle with hundreds of NCAA members from across the United States.

The conference allows students to learn through career and college expos, educational workshops and general sessions. This year’s theme was “Towards Tomorrow Together”. Jag Specialist Cassie Perry is very proud of her students.

“They each placed in the top 10. Not every program can say that. It was great to see everyone’s hard work rewarded. Alabama showed up and showed up. Because of the success of our JAG students, more and more students are applying to be a part of our program. The future of Straughn JAG is bright.” It is,” Perry said.

The team of Hallie Goodman, Orrin Douglas, and Mallory Hall finished first in the business plan category and was named national champion.

“Seeing our business plan team named national champions was a moment I will never forget. Their reaction when they found out they won was priceless,” Perry said.

Goodman feels that the JAG program can help lead a successful and fulfilling life.

“This year at NCDC, we’ve learned valuable life skills that follow us wherever we go and we’ve learned amazing leadership skills. We had amazing speakers like Daryl Bellamy Jr. We are ‘fearless inside’. NCDC was one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences of my life. I hope every state will get JAG program in future,” she said.

Hall was grateful for the experience and enjoyed her time at the conference.

It has been amazing to see how things have developed since the first conference. I am so blessed for this opportunity. My team and I went into this tournament hoping to win the top ten and we came out as national champions. I will take everything with me and work to attend the third conference next year, she said.

Douglas said the opportunity to represent his school and state in Orlando was one of the best experiences of his life.

“I learned new strategies to help with job interviews and new team building skills. I learned that if we all work together, we can create a brighter tomorrow. We’ve already put in a business plan, and the rush I felt was second to none. I’m so glad I was given this opportunity and I want to support my parents and my JAG, Mrs. Perry, to do my best.” I want to thank you for pushing me.

The team of Cameron Wambles, Harley Dixon, Shaylee Harrison and Kiera Harris won third place in the Project Based Education Demonstration.

“The 2023 NCDC was truly an incredible experience. I am so blessed to be a part of such a life-changing organization and to have met such an amazing specialist, Ms. Perry. I love my PBL team, my chapter, and most of all, I love JAG,” said Harrison.

The team of Sierra Bobo, Selena Block, Troy Bobo and Raleigh Vanderritt took fourth place in the LOVE Project category.

“Even though we were stressed and tired, we were still able to see Jag’s greater purpose. Our hard work and dedication finally paid off. From practicing for the tournament in the evening to walking out of the conference with the title of NCA Champion, I was beyond proud of my team. I want to give a special thanks to Mrs. Perry for always pushing me to do my best. I would not be here today without Ms. Perry and my wonderful community by my side. I am very happy to finish my sophomore year as a champion. Thank you all for your amazing support and memories during my team’s journey,” said Troy Bobo.

Sylvia Worley finished seventh in the Financial Education event.

More than 800 students from 24 states competed in the NCAA’s second annual conference. The state of Alabama ranked first in most categories and received the “Largest Delegate Award” with 141 delegates.

“I am proud to be a part of this amazing organization. Alabama JAG goes above and beyond to prepare our students for national competition and life in general. JAG takes ordinary students and molds them into exceptional leaders. We provide them with the opportunities and resources to realize their potential and succeed. “Students who don’t dare to speak in public will learn the skills and gain the confidence to win national titles,” Perry said.

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.