600 SC Students Demonstrate Workforce Readiness Skills | News

At the 2012 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG-SC) Career Development Conference, students spent the day competing in challenges that tested their workforce readiness skills. All of the day’s events were focused around this year’s theme: “If it is to be, it is up to me!”

JAG-SC, coordinated by the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW), is a statewide high school dropout prevention program that focuses on academic success and career readiness skills. The program currently serves more than 1,000 students who face some type of barrier to success.

“The JAG program helps the students form the personal connection between their interests and their abilities. This annual conference is a great opportunity for JAG-SC students to demonstrate what they have learned and acknowledge the hard work that goes into making the program a success,” said Elaine Midkiff, state coordinator of the JAG-SC program for DEW.

The students heard from various motivational guest speakers, including DEW Executive Director Abraham J. Turner, State Workforce Investment Board Chairman Mikee Johnson, and Walt Disney World Resort Training Manager, Lowell Doringo.

The conference also included a Global Youth Service Day celebration because during the past seven months, 1,000 JAG-SC students volunteered more than 20,000 hours of community service in their respective communities.

Recognition awards were given to students who demonstrated achievement, commitment, and significant growth while participating in the JAG program. Jefferson Awards – a prestigious award that honors community and public service – were also awarded to three schools that went above and beyond in their community service efforts.

Recognition awards:

2012 Governor’s Award Recipient: Brett Belew, Swansea High School.

2012 The Golden Key Award Recipient: Shedron Williams, ACCESS Network based in Hampton County. Williams was recognized for making a significant contribution to the JAG-SC program at Wade Hampton High School and impacting more than 200 students during the past five years.

The Executive Director’s Award Recipients: Raven Price, CA Johnson High School; Miranda Crawford, Carolina High School; Forrest Payne, Chesnee High School; Shi'Des Donaldson, Colleton High School; Joshua Williamson, Creek Bridge High School; Jaquille Smith, Darlington High School; Jerica Wilson, Lake Marion High School; Qua'Dasjia Cloud, Lancaster High School; Quasema Scott, Manning High School; Traceton Robinson, McCormick High School; Michael Ferline, Mullins High School; Cody Best, Rock Hill High School; Davaris Gregg, South Florence High School; Brett Belew, Swansea High School;  Takiyah Singleton, Wade Hampton High School; Jessica Downs, West Florence High School; Whitney Merritts, Wilson High School.

Jefferson Award Recipients: Creek Bridge High School, Marion County; Darlington High School, Darlington County; Swansea High School, Lexington County