Several students involved in the Jobs for Alabama Graduates (JAG) chapters at Phil Campbell and Tharptown high schools recently participated in a career development conference that organizers believe will make them better prepared for life after high school.

Tina King, who has been a JAG specialist at Phil Campbell since the spring of 2011, said the conference provides opportunities for students to compete in various events as well as workshops.

“Since today’s competitive world demands skilled and experienced leaders that are prepared to grow and make an impact, Alabama looks to career and technical education graduates to be those leaders,” King said.

“These conferences focus on career skill-building, self-improvement, communication, and chapter management.”

King said students must prepare for the numerous competitive events in advance, some of which are required and others are optional.

This year, 10 different schools were in attendance and competed at the North District Career Development Conference, including Phil Campbell and Tharptown.

From Phil Campbell, Skylar King placed second in the Math Skills competition; Jacob Anthony placed first in the Interview competition; and the PCHS JAG Bowl Team (Tommy Reed, Haley Swinney, Trey Colburn, and Logan Swinney) placed second. Phil Campbell High School also placed second in the Students for Service event.

From Tharptown, whose JAG students are advised by Kevin Lacey, Destiny Garcia placed first in the Communications competition; Daisy Martinez placed fourth in the Public Speaking competition; and the THS JAG Bowl team (Caitlyn Green, Jessica Guzman, Magnolia Hernandez, and Odalis Mendez) finished fourth in their competition. The JAG Bowl team also earned a spot in the state competition

The State Career Development Conference will be held April 7 in Prattville, and King said students from both schools are already preparing for these competitive events.

In addition to the career development workshops, King said JAG students also participate in community service projects that help others.

“JAG is a school-to-work program that trains students in civic awareness, social awareness, leadership development and career preparation, and part of this incorporates the completion of countless hours of community service projects,” King said.

“This year, PC JAG students visited Burns Nursing Home for one of their community service activities. We appreciate the opportunity to go out into the community as a group and represent Phil Campbell High School. Students assisted residents in their morning therapy and followed it with a game of Bingo.

“PC JAG students also participated in this year’s Joint Leadership Development Conference (JLDC) in Birmingham where they attended workshops and got to tour a job fair. They also had the opportunity to tour G&G Steel.”

King said students also have the privilege of hearing from numerous guest speakers this past school year including Tim Alford from CB&S Bank, Chef Ogun from UNA Culinary Arts, Sgt. Steven Robertson and Mike Holt from Florence SWAT, Annette Rea from Hamilton Career Center, Stacey Pruitt from Riverbend Prevention and Support Services, recruiters from various branches of the military and many more.

“We are always looking for people to speak to students about various careers, social issues and civic opportunities and would be glad to have others in the community volunteer their time,” she said.

Anyone who is interested in speaking to the JAG classes can contact Tina King by e-mail at tinaking@franklin.k12.al.us or by phone at 256-331-2150.  Any business that would like to partner with JAG and provide work experience for the students can contact King as well.