THE ECHO

by Salem Araya

Getting a leg up in the post high-school world is Ms. Elena Stidham’s JAG program. JAG, or Jobs for America’s Graduates, is an organization that helps students with the necessary job skills, experience, and resources to navigate a successful life after high school. Its curriculum includes assignments like Budgeting & Money Management, and Resume & Cover Letter Writing, that emphasize the importance of financial literacy as a young adult.

Senior and JAG president, Perla Tecan-Cruz, said that JAG is more than just an easy elective class, and that she truly has learned necessary skills.

“It prepares you for success in both your personal, and professional life… My favorite part about JAG is all the opportunities I’ve been given before ‘adulting’,” said Tecan-Cruz. “I’ve been able to make so many connections.”

Alongside classroom instruction, students also compete against other school’s JAG programs in events like Business Plan, Financial Literacy, and Employability Skills.

Senior and vice president, Arsema Melaku, won first place at JAG’s Career Development Conference at Johnston County Armory in Prepared Speaking.

Melaku wrote and prepared a speech before hand to deliver to her judges centered around the prompt: How has JAG supported you?

“I talked a lot about how as a first-generation student I wasn’t able to get a lot of answers about to prepare for the future at home,” said Melaku. “Through JAG though, I was able to learn stuff like how to rent an apartment etc.”

As a result of her first place win Melaku will be advancing to the State competition in March, and competition against students all across Indiana.

“I’ve been reviewing my speech to practice,” said Melaku. “I stumbled a little bit last competition so I’m going to try not to this time.”

The class is open to all incoming upperclassman for the next year, and only requires a counselor recommendation as a prerequisite.

“I would definitely recommend it,” said Melaku. “[Ms. Stidham] creates a really supporting, and comfortable environment.”