Future Business Leaders, SkillsUSA students place in state, national competitions; JAG program receives award
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Special to the News
Congratulations to the four Central High School students who placed in the top three in the state Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competition: Rebekah Burton who received third place in Public Speaking, Rachel Reams who received third place in Introduction to Information Technology, Perla Morales who received first place in Exploring Computer Science, and Ayden Williams who received first place in Exploring Technology.
All four students moved on to the national FBLA Competition and Convention in Orlando, Florida, to compete against more than 16,000 other students from across the nation. Although they did not place, it was an unforgettable experience for all.
According to FBLA.org, “FBLA members have the competitive edge, as the best and brightest of FBLA convene to compete in leadership events, share their successes and learn new ideas about shaping their career future through workshops and exhibits. This four-day conference is considered the pinnacle of the FBLA experience, especially for those running for national office.”
Thank you to FBLA sponsor Brett Thomas for leading our students in their success.
Congratulations, also, to the SkillsUSA team who recently returned from the National Competition and Convention, Chelsea Clark, Analise Dansby, Emma Green, Emily Thomas, Eli Thornton, and Daniel Weathers.
While this group of students representing our Auto Services Technology Program ate well and had a good time, there is no doubt their priority while there was handling business, and, oh boy, did they ever. Throughout the week-long event the students set up the display area for the competing team to use during their presentation, and then the attending SkillsUSA members helped man the display booth daily for other students, teachers and business representatives to stop by and see all of the great things happening in this program.
Not only did the three members of the competing team perform well, reporting a fifth place finish among 104 teams in the event, but the entire group represented our program so well that Mr. Washington and Ms. Hamby are already receiving requests from business representatives such as Mercedes, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota, among others, to tour our facility and program once it is back in action.
Thank you to the sponsor of the SkillsUSA team, Jarrod Washington, for all the extra hours he put in this summer so these students could prepare for the week of events, as well as providing them with the educational knowledge and know-how to be successful at this level.
This would be an amazing accomplishment for any group, but knowing that this is the achievement level of a first-year instructor/chapter advisor, SkillsUSA Chapter, and competitive team, is beyond believable. CCCTC and our partners look forward to seeing what comes next. Thank you, also, CCCTC director Hester Hamby for sharing pictures and information.
Additionally, the Central High School Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program earned the prestigious National 6-of-6 JAG Program Award.
According to JAG.org, “Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is proud to honor excellence in youth development with the prestigious 6-of-6 Award. This accolade recognizes the highest-achieving states, regions and programs within the JAG National Network, setting a standard of exceptional performance in guiding high school seniors toward successful futures.
“The 6-of-6 Award underscores JAG’s commitment to measurable outcomes that matter most to young graduates. It evaluates performance across six critical metrics: on-time high school graduation, employment rate, full-time employment, total full-time positive outcomes, further education rate, and connectivity rate. These metrics reflect a comprehensive approach to ensuring that JAG participants not only graduate but also thrive in their post-graduation endeavors.
“For a program to earn this esteemed recognition, it must exceed rigorous benchmarks in each category, demonstrating significant impact and effectiveness in preparing students for the next phase of their lives. The Follow-Up phase, a hallmark of JAG’s methodology, plays a pivotal role in this success, providing crucial support to graduates during the critical first year after high school.
“This year, 72 JAG programs from across the United States have achieved the 6-of-6 Award, highlighting their dedication to fostering academic achievement, career readiness, and lifelong success among youth. These programs serve as models of excellence, embodying the JAG mission to equip every student with the skills and support needed to achieve their full potential.
“The impact of the 6-of-6 Award extends far beyond recognition. It signifies a commitment to nurturing future leaders, empowering them with the tools and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world. By celebrating these achievements, JAG honors the hard work of its participants and educators who continue to strive for excellence in youth development.”
Thank you to JAG program director Debbie Phillips for ensuring our students have opportunities to succeed during and beyond high school.
