This year was the first ever Jobs for America’s Graduates National Career Development Conference in Dallas, Texas. Students competed at the state level and the top three in each category advanced to the national level.

About the National Career Development Conference

The National Career Development Conference had approximately 20 states represented.

JAG-Missouri had 62 students competing with a total of 90 people in attendance, making it the second largest group present.

JAG-Missouri was represented in the Top Ten of each competition. Missouri students placed first, second or third in six of the eight competitive events. A total of eight students brought home a plaque:

• Three first place winners.
• Two second place winners.
• Three third place winners.

Award List

Awards and recognitions were given in the following areas:

Outstanding Chapter included Charleston, Dora and South Pemiscot.

Service Project included Bolivar, Smith-Cotton and Dora

Financial Literacy competition

• Second place – Dylan Renkoski, Cassville
• Top Ten – Ashlyn Brown, McDonald County
• Top Ten – Isabella Beck, West County

Business Plan competition

• First place – Bolivar High School
• Second place – Jennings High School
• Top Ten – Morgan County Versailles

Creative Decision Making competition

• Top Ten – Bolivar High School
• Top Ten – Willard High School

Knowledge Bowl

• Third Place – Arcadia Valley
• Fourth Place – Charleston
• Top Ten – Morgan County Versailles

Employability Skills competition

• Top Ten – Abagail Paris, Skyline

Prepared Speaking competition

• Third place – Bri Alexander, Lebanon Hillcrest Education Center

Project Based Learning competition

• First place – Smith-Cotton High School
• Third place – Skyline

Career Preparation competition

• First place – Mitchell Gant, Stockton
• Top Ten – Kobbey Guile, Mexico Alternative School
• Top Ten – Eva Ard, Skyline