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Highly Qualified Specialists Make the Difference

Veteran Specialist PJ O’Connell is a stellar example of a Specialistwho takes initiative, shows commitment to student-centeredlearning and helps students make connections between successin school and on the job. Using a project-based learning model, heguides students in acquisition and practice of skills learned in theclassroom. His curriculum unit, “Creative Strategies for SuccessfulStudent Fundraising” prepares students for an annual JBSG CareerDevelopment Conference fundraiser. By integrating the use oftechnology with strategies for marketing, sales, team building, goalsetting and basic skills remediation, JBSG students take completeownership of Shrewbury High School’s JBSG Lollipop Sale. This year,with the support of his high school administration, JBSG students sold3,900 lollipops during the three-week sale and earned a net profit ofover $2,000. Senior JBSG student President, Jason Bergman, solicitedprize donations totaling $900, from local businesses to motivate fellowclassmates. Students received achievement awards and prizes fordedication and excellence in sales techniques. Proceeds from the salewill help defray the cost of Career Association activities and students’trip to the Jobs for Bay State Graduates Career DevelopmentConference. Student’s successes in these learning activities combinedwith targeted remediation directly translate into their levels of confi-dence and preparedness on high stakes tests and workplace success.

PJ shares his enthusiasm and expertise statewide and makescrucial connections within his community. JBSG’s quarterly profes-sional development meeting featured a NASCAR Racing theme titled:“Gearing Up for the 2004 Career Development Conference!” As acollegial contribution, PJ delivered a highly engaging PowerPointpresentation on the topic of “Reinforcing Competency Instructionthrough Career Association Activities”. JBSG staff members wereenergized and eager to return to their schools to continue with theirfundraising activities.

As well, in an effort to secure meaningful job shadow placements andultimately quality job leads for his students, PJ attends his localChamber of Commerce meetings. Recently, PJ took the lead in getting13 computers donated to JBSG from a local pharmaceutical company.These computers helped to update the technology capabilities atmany JBSG sites statewide.

Specialists, like PJ, who tirelessly contribute time and expertise are thecore of the JBSG program. PJ offers a level of professionalism andcommitment that his students seek to emulate and his colleaguesadmire. This combination of highly qualified staff, curriculum tailored tostudents needs and willingness to participate in the organization at alllevels makes all the difference in JBSG’s ability to be a forerunner inproviding quality program service.

Custodian Appreciation DaySheridan High School (Sheridan, AR) JAG students celebrated CustodianAppreciation Day. Terri Bone is the Specialist and the program has been inplace for two years.

JAG Program Commits 1,500 Hours of Service

For the third time in four years, the students of the Jobs for Arizona’sGraduates Program at Carl Hayden Community High School exceeded 1,500 hours of Civic Activities.

Projects range from planning and organizing campus based events like aJob/Career Fair for senior and junior students, which was attended by over30 schools and employers, and running an educational activity called “TheReality Store” for over 400 students. These motivated JAG students donatedover $3,000 through various fundraisers to the March of Dimes, theLeukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Arizona Children Hospital.Additional donations of food (3,000 items) and toys (400) were provided tothe homeless through the Thomas J. Pappas School and Home. Yet, theproject these young people are most dedicated to is the establishment andsuccess of a Teen and Family Community Center located across the streetfrom the high school. Through apartnership with another non-profit, OffCampus Jams, the JAG students havevolunteered over 660 hours in staffing theTeen and Family Center.

JBSG is commited to student-centered learning and helping students make connections between successin school and on the job.

JAG Graduates Featured in Scholastic Book

We are pleased to announce that Scholastic has chosen two JAGgraduates to profile in a book to be published later this year. Thebook topic is based on the variety of jobs in which recent highschool graduates are employed. Only a dozen or so youngpeople’s stories will be presented in the book.

James Good (Jobs for Minnesota Graduates) and Monica Mead(Iowa- JAG, Inc.) were the graduates selected.

Jobs for Bay State Graduates

The JMG Career Development Conference was held at the Ramada Inn,Southwest in Jackson, MS. Job Specialists from 26 sites brought 147 JMGstudents to participate in the competitive events. The theme the conference,“JMG Empowering the Youth of Today to Become Leaders of Tomorrow”, wassubmitted by Shaw High School.

A number of JMG Board Members attended theconference including Dr. Henry Johnson, StateSuperintendent of Education and President of the JMGBoard. Dr. Johnson made some aspiring comments inreference to the crucial need for educating Mississippi’syouth.

Senator Mike Chaney, JMG Board member, spoke at theCDC and wholeheartedly supports the efforts of theJMG program.

Highlights of the conference included:

• The presentation of Chairman’s Awards by First LadyMarsha Barbour and Senator Mike Chaney.

• Dr. Joe A. Haynes, JMG Executive Director, presentedThe National Football League Referee Association Award(NFLRA) to two JMG students. Student recipients of thisaward submitted an essay, and two awards were givenin the amount of $500 each. Winners were selected by ateam of judges.

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“JMG Empowering the Youth of Today toBecome Leaders of Tomorrow”

Career Development Conference

Dr. Joe Haynes

Senator Mike Chaney

ConferenceLuncheon

Highlights of the conference included the presen-tation of Chairman’s awards by First Lady MarshaBarbour and Senator Mike Chaney.

Dr. Joe A. Haynes, JMG Executive Director,presented The National Football League RefereeAssociation Award (NFLRA) to two JMG students.Student recipients of this award submitted an essay,and two awards were given in the amount of $500each. Winners were selected by a team of judges.

Senator Chaney during the Board Meeting

Wal-Mart Teacherof the Year 2004

Sherrie Mays awarded Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year inBowan Curve. The Human Resources managers visitedthe school on April 22nd and presented a $1,000 checkto the Jobs for Arkansas Graduates (JAG) program, ablue Wal-Mart vest with Teacher of the Year 2004, afresh bouquet of flowers, and, a large framed certificate.

The students pictured submitted the nomination. Kneeling left to right: Jamel Parisand Yanni Scott. Standing left to right: Shantana Noid, Sherrie Mays, Vernon Smith-Principal, Renita Thompson and Denise Lovelace, Human Resource Managers fromWal-Mart and Yolanda Lewis.

Poetic Talents Shine in New Hampshire

Amy Nutter, Job Specialist at Concord High School, Concord, NHshared this poem created by Shawn Dinkins.

Shawn energetically and passionately expressed his thoughts andfeelings about the program at the Jobs for New Hampshire’sGraduates Initiation and Installation Ceremony.

Shawn professionally raps, writes lyrics, records demos, and is heavilyinvolved in the community and politics. He is a passionate leaderwithin the JAG program, Concord High and his community.

JAG

Stick my hands in the dirtAs we plant the seed of growth

Once balancing on a stringA string of hope…

Look at me people!Better yet stand in a gaze,

For we in the JAG community will Leave you all in amaze

Hard rain and weathers of disbelief and griefWill never touch the thought of my thought

As we learn to teach Into this old and new world

We are the diamond eyes…My generation’s next step is to open them wide

To see is to becomeThe gem of your life is near

To all of my JAG companionsObtain love to grasp your dreams without any fear!

Jobs for Florida’s GraduatesKristi Weiland, Sarasota High School

Top Performer-Average Wages-Class of2003

Beth Holcomb, Venice High SchoolTop 20 Performers-Average Wages-Classof 2003

Jobs for Georgia GraduatesJobs for Georgia’s Graduates

1st Place State Organization-HighestParticipant Contact-Class of 2003

Jobs for Georgia’s GraduatesTop Performer-Highest Employer Contact-Class of 2003

Miles Cannon, Dawson County High SchoolTop 10 Specialist-100% ParticipantContact-Class 2003

Arlena Johnson-Edmonds, Southside HighSchoolTop 10 Specialist-100% ParticipantContact-Class 2003

Antonio Derricotte, Oglethorpe County HighSchoolTop 10 Specialist-100% ParticipantContact-Class 2003

Shawna Taylor, Valdosta High SchoolTop 10 Specialist-100% ParticipantContact-Class 2003

Anne Mellinger, Firestone High SchoolTop 10 Specialist-100% ParticipantContact-Class 2003

Brenda Blackshear, DoughertyComprehensive High SchoolTop 10 Specialist-100% ParticipantContact-Class 2003

LaKisha Mitchell, S. C. Johnson High School Exceptional job placement and follow-upservices-Class of 2003 (Georgia)

Dennis Hall, Turner County High SchoolExceptional job placement and follow-upservices-Class of 2003 (Georgia)

Brenda Blackshear, DoughertyComprehensive High SchoolExceptional job placement and follow-upservices-Class of 2003 (Georgia)

David GordonExceptional training and technical assis-tance in helping others use JAG’sElectronic National Data ManagementSystem

Steve Helms, Paulding County High SchoolTop 10 High Performer-Education Rate-Class of 2003

Dorothy Styles, South Atlanta High SchoolTop 20 Performer-Education Rate-Class of2003

Iowa-JAG, Inc.Iowa-JAG, Inc.

“5 of 5” State Organization for the Class of2003

Iowa-JAG, Inc.Best Unable to Contact Rate-2.56%-Classof 2003

Iowa-JAG, Inc.3rd Best Average Wage-Class of 2003

Monica Mayberry, Lewis Central High SchoolTop 20 Performer-Average Wages-Class of2003

Rachel Sorensen, Hampton Dumont HighSchoolTop 20 Performer-Average ParticipantContact-Class of 2003

Jeff Fick, Vice PresidentMember and Community RelationsIs recognized for being willing to “get hisfeet wet” serving as a Board member;finding pro bono legal work for I-JAGwhereby allowing an increase in staffraises by 2%; paving the way for theestablishment of community-funded I-JAGlocations; and for providing leadership thathas resulted in a successful and respectedstatewide organization.

Allen Green, Ph.D., SuperintendentIs recognized for his dedication to I-JAGby volunteering on Board committeesincluding Executive, Fundraising andHuman Resources Committees; forserving as a judge at the annual I-JAGCareer Development Conference; bringingreality to the I-JAG Curriculum in ameaningful way for students; and for beinga consistent, friendly and familiar faceeach year at the Career DevelopmentConference.

Jobs for Alabama’s GraduatesJobs for Alabama’s Graduates

Third Best Education Rate for the Class of2003

Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates5,825 hours of Community Service

Pam Bassett, George Washington Carver HighSchoolMaintaining contact with 100% of theprogram participants in the Class 2003 anddelivering JAG Model services through the12-month follow-up period

Dorothy Adams, Southside High School1,680 community service hours

Johnny DiChiara, Smiths Station High SchoolTop Performer-Education Rate for the Classof 2003

Linda Steele, Fairfield High SchoolTop Performer-Education Rate-Class of2003

Cathy Agnew, Hale County Technology CenterTop Performer-Education Rate-Class of2003

J.K. Weaver Technical CenterAva Gregory, Specialist

Alabama Program of the YearSheila Lewis, Francis Marion High School

Above and Beyond-Serving two schoolsand achieving “4 of 5” performance goals

Jobs for Arkansas GraduatesKaren Purvis, Mena High School

Most community service hours and CareerAssociation hours in Arkansas

James McGaha, Clinton High SchoolTop 10 Performer-Average participantcontact-Class of 2003

Jobs for Arizona’s GraduatesAlex Rosalez, Carl Hayden High School

Top Performer-100% program participantcontact-Class of 2003

Westview High SchoolCathy Garcia, Specialist

Meaningful community connections forservice learning

Alex Rosalez, Carl Hayden High SchoolCommitment to civic activities andcommunity service

Elizabeth Sanchez Sgrillo, Tolleson Union HighSchool Leadership in establishing the first seamless7th to 13th Grade Intervention Program

Alex Rosalez, Carl Hayden High SchoolTop 10 Performer-Average wage-Class of2003

Cathy Garcia, Westview High SchoolTop 10 Performer-Average wage-Class of2003

Elizabeth Sanchez, Tolleson Union High SchoolTop 20 Performer-Average wage-Class of2003

Aerron Smith, Tolleson Union High School -Multi-Year Top 20 Performer-Average participantcontact-Class of 2003

Rita D. Ornelas, Sunnyside High School -Multi-YearTop 20 Performer-Average participantcontact-Class of 2003

Jobs for California’s GraduatesKris Mozzillo

JCG Leadership Award and maintainingprogram performance

Shannon Crowder, Merced-Out-of-SchoolTop 20 Performer-Average participantcontact-Class of 2003

Jobs for Connecticut’s GraduatesJobs for Connecticut’s Graduates

Second Highest State Organization AverageWage- Class of 2003

Jobs for Delaware GraduatesPatti Weldon, Lake Forest High School

“4 of 5” Performance Outcomes-Class of2003

Ronald Robinson, Wilmington Groves HighSchoolHighest Placement Rate for Out-of-School-Delaware

Charita Scales Outstanding Delaware Career AssociationAchievement

Randy Holmes 95% Competency Attainment Rate-Class of2003

Laurie Fuskie 95% Placement Rate-Class of 2003

Myron Linn, Manager of Compensation - Pella CorpIs recognized for being a strong advocatefor I-JAG serving as a member of the Boardof Directors; contacting key legislators toextol the value of I-JAG from an employer’sperspective; and for providing guidance tothe I-JAG administration in the areas ofpolicy and human resources. I-JAG wouldnot be as successful without the advocacyand involvement of this outstanding Boardmember.

Laurie Phelan, President and Chief Executive Officer, I-JAG, Inc.Is recognized for her exemplary dedicationto I-JAG and her diligent work to activelyinvolve the Board of Directors. In doing so,I-JAG has raised more than $190,000 fromthe private sector, the state organization isgrowing stronger and I-JAG is reachingmore students.

Jobs for Illinois GraduatesJobs for Illinois Graduates, Michelle Trueblood

Host-2003 and 2004 National TrainingSeminars

Arne Duncan, CEO, Chicago Public Schools -JAG Board of DirectorsIs recognized for his commitment to themission of Jobs for America’s Graduates;for serving on the JAG National Board ofDirectors; and, for recognizing the value-add of JAG Model programs in the ChicagoPublic Schools.

The Honorable Donne Trotter, Illinois StateSenatorIs recognized for his commitment to themission of Jobs for America’s Graduates;for serving on the JAG National Board ofDirectors; for encouraging others to supportthe test of the JAG Model in Illinois throughJobs for Illinois Graduates; and, for beingpassionate about JAG focusing on thoseyoung people with significant barriers tosuccess.

Tom Tippett, HR Vice President - AllstateInsurance Corp.Commitment to young people served byJobs for America’s Graduates and forserving on the JILG Board of Directors

Nancy Fenton, Antioch Community HighSchoolRecognized for being a Top 20 Specialist formaintaining contact with 100% of theprogram participants in the Class 2003 anddelivering JAG Model services through the12-month follow-up period

Nancy Fenton, Antioch Community HighSchoolTop 10 Performer-Average Wage-Class of2003

Jill Bonwell, Harrisburg High SchoolA Top 10 performers based on averageparticipant contact for the Class of 2003

Kim Fricke, Freeport High SchoolRecognized for being among the top 20performers based on average participantcontact for the Class of 2003

Joy Fisher, Jacobs High SchoolRecognized for being among the top 20performers based on average participantcontact for the Class of 2003

Jobs for Kentucky GraduatesKevin Spurlock, Hazard High School

Recognized for being a Top 20 Performerbased on the Education Rate for the Classof 2003

Karen Darnell, Murray Learning AcademyA Top 10 performers based on averageparticipant contact for the Class of 2003

Sandra Armstrong, Graves County High SchoolA Top 10 performers based on averageparticipant contact for the Class of 2003

Peggy Hensley, Clay County High SchoolRecognized for being a Top 20 Performerbased on the Education Rate for the Classof 2003

Jobs for Louisiana’s GraduatesMicheal Nelson

Patriot AwardIs recognized for serving in the U.S. ArmedForces having just returned from Iraq; forhis commitment and dedication to Jobs forLouisiana’s Graduates; and, for serving as arole model to his students and colleagues.

Mattie Johnson, Wossman High SchoolRecognized for being a Top 10 Specialistfor maintaining contact with 100% of theprogram participants in the Class 2003 anddelivering JAG Model services through the12-month follow-up period

Jobs for Louisiana’s Graduates1st Place-Marketplace Exhibit

Charmona Murphy, Goodwill IndustriesRecognized for being a Top 20 Performerbased on the Education Rate for the Classof 2003

Jobs for Bay State GraduatesKerry LaCharity, BMC Durfee High School

Quality community service projects inMassachusetts

Leta Walker, Lynn English High SchoolRecognized for achieving the highestaverage wage for students in the Class of2003 in Jobs for Bay State Graduates

Alexis Donnelly, Westborough High School Recognized for excellence in implementingthe work-based learning internshipcomponent of the JAG Model.

Sandy Thompson, North High SchoolRecognized for considerable effort andcommitment in implementing thecommunity-wide Worcester Job ShadowInitiative

Barbara Ann GreerRecognized for excellence in integrating theCareer Association Chapter as a tool toenhance students’ application of the JAGcompetencies.

Jobs for Maine’s GraduatesJobs for Maine’s Graduates

Recognized for having achieved “5 of 5”performance goals for the Class of 2003 -10th consecutive year

Jobs for Maine’s GraduatesRecognized for having the second best ratein the network. Unable to Contact Rate to3.69% for the Class of 2003

Jobs for Maine’s GraduatesReach Program - recognized for itsexemplary middle school program calledthe Reach Program; for graduating 94% ofall 12th grade students that completed the7th, 8th, & 9th Grade Reach Program in astate which graduated 85.9% in the Classof 2001

Jobs for Maine’s GraduatesRecognized for exceeding the JAGstandard for contacting employers duringthe 12-month follow-up period for the Classof 2003

Jobs for Maine’s GraduatesRecognized for providing a total of 19,300hours of community service for the 2003-04school year

Mark Bossie, Leavitt Area High SchoolRecognized for being among the top 20performers based on average wages for theClass of 2003

Jobs for Maine’s Graduates3rd Place - State organization recognizedfor exceeding the JAG standard of oneparticipant contact per month during the12-month follow-up for the Class of 2003

Jeff Chick, Machias Memorial High SchoolThe Top Performer based on averageparticipant contact for the Class of 2003

Tammie Pelletier, St. John ValleyA Top 10 performers based on averageparticipant contact for the Class of 2003

Carl Wilson, Penquis Valley High SchoolA Top 10 performers based on averageparticipant contact for the Class of 2003

Edward Leeman, Calais High SchoolA Top 10 performers based on averageparticipant contact for the Class of 2003

Jim Irish, Mt. Ararat High SchoolA Top 10 performers based on averageparticipant contact for the Class of 2003

Maine State Chamber of CommerceRecognized for its above and beyondinvestment in students by establishing theJMG Scholarship Fund and for itscommitment to Maine’s future workforce.

Fleet - MaineAbove and Beyond Corporate CitizenAwardRecognized for its above and beyondcorporate citizen commitment bysupporting Maine’s communities throughJMG’s Community Service and ServiceLearning Program

2004 NTS Award Recipients

JAG National Network - Cathy McKee, 1st Place-Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (LoreleeRobinson), 2nd Place - Jobs for Louisiana’s Graduates (Carol Borskey), 3rd Place- Jobsfor Virginia’s Graduates (Barry Glenn) and Ken Smith

Education Rate - Cathy McKee, 1st Place - Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (LoreleeRobinson), 2nd Place - Jobs for Mississippi Graduates (Dr. Joe Haynes), 3rd Place- Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates (Mickey Humphries) and Ken Smith

Making Community Connections in ServeLearning - Cathy Rosales-Garcia, WestviewHigh School (Arizona) and Ken Smith