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JAG-K initiates new members
jag-inductees
Jobs for America’s Graduates - Kansas (JAG-K) held an Installation and Initiation ceremony on Oct. 9 at the Great Bend High School Auditorium. These students on stage are the JAG leadership team officers. From left: Ashley Gonzalez Agustin, president; McKayla Smith, president; Abigail Alvarez, vice president; Kenton Grauerholz, vice president; and secretaries Alyssa Chavez, Khloe Trudeau, Trason Stevens and Rey Portillo. - photo by Susan Thacker

Dozens of students at Great Bend High School attended the JAG-K Installation and Initiation program on Oct. 9 in the GBHS Auditorium.

These students are enrolled in Jobs for America’s Graduates-Kansas, an in-school, elective class. Each class of about 35 students is led by a JAG-K career specialist who teaches employability skills and more.

“The purpose of this ceremony is to officially install our officers, initiate our students into the JAG Career Association, and celebrate our students for their commitment to JAG,” Career Specialist Teresa Laraby said. 

The keynote speaker of was Kimberly Escobedo, who talked about how much the program has done for her. She got more involved in school activities and did job shadowing at the 911 call center. Now she attends Barton Community College and is a member of the soccer team.

JAG-K is also a 501(c)3 organization that partners with public schools. Its goal is to prepare students for successful futures by helping them overcome various barriers, graduate from high school and get on a successful career path. The class provides academic and positive support, ensuring students earn their diplomas. By exploring career opportunities and practicing soft skills, students are prepared to transition successfully to post-secondary education, military service, or the workforce after graduation.

In addition to the JAG-K classes at GBHS, the program is now offered at Great Bend Middle School. Members of the high school team spoke to GBMS students this week during the Reality U program.