County’s JAG students unite for leadership conference

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A total of 76 students attended a joint leadership conference by JAG Career Association at the Covington County Board of Education on Thursday, Dec. 12. Students represented were Andalusia High School, Red Level School, and Straughn High School. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Andalusia High School is led by JAG specialist Gabrielle Rodgers, far left. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Red Level School is led by JAG specialist Krystie Lord, far left. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Straughn High School is led by JAG specialist Kaci Perry, second from far left. (PHOTO BY ZACK MAIO)

Students from Andalusia High School, Red Level School, and Straughn High School gathered for a joint leadership conference with Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates Career Association on Thursday, Dec. 12.

Known as JAG Career Association, a total of 76 students attended the conference held at the Covington County Board of Education. District attorney Walt Merrell, who served as the keynote speaker, shared a story with the students from his own life where he and some friends went tuna fishing. Shortly after the group left the dock, the boat’s motor broke down.

“Things don’t always go as planned in life. It is best to plan for the good and for the bad,” Merrell said. “We borrowed another boat and continued on the trip only to find ourselves in high wind and big waves. We became seasick from the conditions but stayed the course.”

Merrell continued the story and gave the students a challenge: press on through the adversity of life toward your goals.

“Only by seeing things through until the end will you find out how big the fish might be. Much like my fishing adventure, there is no way to know what might bite the book. I never expected to graduate from high school or college, much less law school. If this dumb ole country boy can fight through all the bad decisions I’ve made to become the district attorney, just imagine what you can do in your life,” he said.

Students were randomly divided into four groups for the conference and attended four different workshops during the day.

In the “Reality Check” workshop conducted by Kara Corbitt and Tina Robbins of Regions Bank, students learned the basics of budgeting, smart financial planning, and the realities of managing family finances.

In the “You’re Hired!” workshop conducted by Hope Burleson of PowerSouth, students learned skills, confidence, and strategies to stand out such as perfecting a handshake and crafting successful interview answers.

In the “When Life Gets Heavy” workshop conducted by Michael Clemons of South Central Mental Health, students learned how to tackle tough moments and build strength such as coping skills, handling stress, and supporting their well being.

In the “Owning Your Future” workshop conducted by career coaches Lauren Maynor of Andalusia City Schools, Kelsi Scruggs and Misty Mooney of Covington County Schools, students learned about two- and four-year college opportunities as well as six- and 12-month certifications.

Gabrielle Rodgers has served as the JAG specialist at Andalusia High School for six months.

“This is a brand new program at our school this year. We are excited for the opportunity to meet with other schools in our county but to also share the wealth of knowledge we have here locally,” Rodgers said.

Sophomore Kaleah Gurley is in her first year with JAG and serves as the president at AHS.

“I have learned that you can do anything you put your mind to. Today’s experience will allow me to be a better person. I thank JAG and Mrs. Maloy (Rodgers) for trusting in me to serve as the president,” Gurley said.

Krystie Lord has served as the JAG specialist at Red Level School for the last two years.

“Today’s leadership conference was a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain valuable skills. The workshops provided practical tools to help them succeed. It has been such a pleasure to serve in this role, and I have enjoyed seeing our students grow and achieve their goals with the help of our JAG program at Red Level,” Krystie Lord said.

Senior Kayden Lord is in her third year with JAG and serves as the president at RLS.

“Throughout those years, I have most enjoyed our district and state competitions. While there, we get to make so many connections with other students across the state. Today’s leadership conference was great, and I’m thankful for everyone who spent time coordinating and presenting. Mr. Walt Merrell’s message was encouraging and inspiring,” Kayden Lord said.

Kaci Perry has served as the JAG specialist at Straughn High School for five years.

“The Covington County JAG Leadership Conference was an incredible opportunity for our students to come together, network, and grow as leaders. It’s inspiring to see them step out of their comfort zones and develop skills that will benefit them in the future. I’m so proud of the collaboration between the JAG programs at Andalusia, Red Level, and Straughn. This event highlighted the strength of teamwork and the shared goal of empowering our students,” Perry said.

Senior Hallie Goodman is in her fourth year with JAG and serves as both the president at SHS and the state vice president for Alabama JAG.

“Today, I was able to see everyone coming together and working as a team. It’s an amazing thing to see, and we were also able to network with our peers in other schools of our county,” Goodman said.

Highland Home School senior Savannah Edgar, Hillcrest High School of Evergreen junior Jamarcus Lowe, and Goodman are Alabama JAG’s three state ambassadors who represent the South district. Edgar is in her fourth year with JAG at Highland Home, while Lowe is in his third year at Hillcrest.

“I really enjoy JAG and serving as a state ambassador because it helped me find my confidence. I feel like that’s an opportunity most high school students do not get. I have also found my passions through JAG and am excited to share those things I have learned with others,” Edgar said.

“One really cool thing to see at the conference today is how we are all one big family. We all came together no matter where we are or whom we talk to with everyone being nice and kind. JAG has taught me that if you don’t see what your future is or what you’re going to do, it will always come to pass. There is always opportunities and always a space for you,” Lowe said.

Students were treated to a catered lunch with chicken tenders, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, sweet tea or water, and chocolate chip cookies.

Sponsors for the event were Tabby D’s Family Restaurant, Golden Rule BBQ and Grill, Steamboat, Blade and Wing Café, Andalusia City Schools, Covington County Schools, Alabama JAG, Regions Bank, PowerSouth, and South Central Mental Health.

“Watching our JAG students take on leadership roles during the conference was a reminder of why we do what we do. Their potential is limitless, and this event gave them a platform to shine. I would also like to extend a special thank you to all of our sponsors who made the event possible,” Perry said.

For more information visit jag.org/jag-career-association.