By Zach Spicer
The second Jackson County JAG Day was Feb. 25 at AISIN World Corp. of America in Seymour.
The event began with a welcome from Dave Stagnolia with AISIN before the nearly 40 Jobs for America’s Graduates seniors from Brownstown Central, Crothersville, Medora and Seymour high schools rotated between three workshops.
OAopoly was a large Monopoly-style game led by AISIN where students had to answer questions related to operation availability in manufacturing. IU Columbus staff led a workshop where students learned about the cost of college and financial aid and completed a worksheet. Army National Guard members led the other workshop where students practiced teamwork and communication by connecting tubes and moving a marble through them from one wall to another.
At the networking lunch, students sat in groups based on their plans after high school and were joined by local school, industry and community officials for networking.
Then students and guests heard from Southeast Indiana Workforce Investment Board Executive Director Kurt Kegerreis and South Ripley High School JAG student and JAG Indiana Career Association President Angel Tunny. Kurt spoke about JAG in Jackson County and Indiana, while Angel shared how JAG has impacted her life.
Then the day ended with trivia, emceed by Seymour Mayor Matt Nicholson. JCIDC intern Parker Thompson created the trivia that featured nine categories. The winning team, The Red Team from Brownstown Central High School, received Walmart gift cards.
JCIDC was joined by AISIN, Cummins Seymour Engine Plant and Walmart Seymour as event sponsors. AISIN allowed use of the facility and OAopoly, Cummins donated money for the event and Walmart donated the breakfast and lunch supplies and also contributed to the treat bags all students received. Pet Supplies Plus also donated items for the treat bags.
Thanks to all of the community members who participated in the networking lunch.
Thanks to Seymour High School’s Owl Manufacturing for designing and printing the JAG Day shirts for the students.
Thanks to the speakers and JAG Indiana representatives who attended.
Thanks to all of the JAG seniors and specialists from the four Jackson County public high schools who attended. They also set up their own displays to highlight their activities.
Look for coverage of the event soon in The Tribune, as reporter Chey Smith was there to report on it.
JAG is a state-based, national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping high school students of promise who have experienced challenging or traumatic life experiences achieve success through graduation. The resiliency-building workforce program helps students learn in-demand employability skills and provides a bridge to postsecondary education and career advancement opportunities.
Currently, there are 250 JAG programs available throughout Indiana, including at all four Jackson County public high schools.
