In an atmosphere of hope and inspiration, JAG specialist Shelly Jones welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of supporters to the annual Made in Marshfield Celebrity Dinner held last Saturday night in the high school cafeteria.
JAG is short for Jobs for America's Graduates and according to banker Jamie Clark, “It empowers our youth with the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to succeed.” The evening highlighted the personal growth and achievements of students who presented in a very professional manner.
“The program is student led and managed,” said Jones, “We stress the development of leadership and organizational skills.” Such development was on full display; as the meal and program were well planned and perfectly executed. Attendees were welcomed to a cafeteria transformed into a banquet hall, nicely decorated and arranged with elegantly appointed tables.
Jones introduced the slate of officers and recognized the many supporters who have attended multiple years. The continued commitment of businesses and institutions to the mission of JAG was summed up by Mayor Natalie McNish to the students, “There is nothing better I can do than help you achieve your dreams.”
President Emery McCormick, spoke of the fundamentals of JAG, which stress the importance of the group as a family, –an environment where you can grow together and as individuals as they follow their dreams, signified by the motto:
“One Team One Family” This was highlighted by a poem of the same name authored and recited by Senior Jamie Jackson.
The successful outcomes of JAG were presented as alumni Kaleah Burks, who stressed that without the program and the supportive atmosphere it fosters she wouldn't have developed the life skills necessary to secure quality employment and pursue her nursing degree. Attendees were then treated to a wonderful pasta dinner with bread sticks and salad catered by Sheila’s, a long time supporter of the program. Dessert was generously provided by Pro Start 2.
Capping off by experience speeches, where individuals recounted their individual accomplishments, and the vital role JAG played in their success. These successes include bringing art into assisted living facilities for Christmas, providing reliable flashlights to those in need and washing 255 school windows, just to name a few.
Each table was then greeted by two members who had questions about everything from goal setting and money management to career advice. This interaction again demonstrated the level of interpersonal skills these young people have been taught.
Jones echoed this again, “If you see JAG on a resume, please give them an interview, just give them a shot.”
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