Shelbyville, Whiteland Students Recognized at National Ceremony

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Shelbyville, Whiteland Students Recognized at National Ceremony  

 

INDIANAPOLIS (November 30, 2016) -  Kyleigh Lay, a junior at Shelbyville High School, was awarded first place in the math skills competition and Elena Floyd, a senior from Whiteland High School, was awarded second place in the public speaking competition at the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Student Leadership Academy in Washington D.C. Kyleigh competed against other students from around the country in a written exam designed to test their ability to identify, solve and apply mathematical principles and Elena competed with a prepared presentation that demonstrated self-confidence and poise in public speaking. In all, more than 150 students competed in math skills, employability skills and public speaking. 

“I applaud the efforts of Kyleigh, Elena and other JAG students across Indiana who took part in this national competition,” said Steven J. Braun, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.  “Events like these demonstrate how JAG is preparing students to take the next step after graduation in the form of employment or continuing education.”

A record-setting 800-plus students attended the 20th Annual National Student Leadership Academy. Roy Thomas, a senior from Anderson High School, addressed the crowd at the Leadership Luncheon. Roy was just one of two JAG students selected from across the nation to serve as speakers for the event. The conference provided all students with exciting and interactive learning activities designed to invigorate their commitment to graduating school. 

About Indiana Jobs for America’s Graduates (www.jagindiana.org)
JAG is a state-based, national non-profit organization dedicated to assisting students with barriers to success by helping them overcome academic challenges in a path towards graduation, with 110 programs active in Indiana. Students receive adult mentoring from a JAG Specialist while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation. Indiana’s program graduates more than 94 percent of participants and many students choose to continue their education after high school.

More than 15,000 students have participated in Indiana’s JAG program since 2006. Students are taught up to 88 competencies such as critical thinking, team leadership and effective communications skills that increase their employability skills. With recent program expansions driven by Governor Mike Pence and the Indiana General Assembly, the JAG program is the largest in the JAG National network of 32 states and is funded through grants provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. 

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For additional information, contact:

Al Ensley, (317) 232-7358, aensley@dwd.in.gov

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