JAG Career Development Conference 2025

Testimonials

Halen Norrell, North Judson-San Pierre High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Ivy Tech Community College

"JAG is helping to push me toward my goals. I see JAG as the example of the kind of class that students need to truly thrive in today’s society."

Makia Lucas, Warsaw Community High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Ball State University

"I want to prove that no matter how old you are you can make a difference. I want to prove you can grow through what you go through."

Jessica Hill, DeKalb High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Ivy Tech Community College

"I want to spark that light of passion and desire for every student, regardless of what their dream is, just like JAG has done for me."

Wyatt Amor, Benton Central Jr./Sr. High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Vincennes University

"I saw JAG as an opportunity to help me chase my career. As I have learned throughout my life, preparation is key to success."

Brooklyn Winkler, Shelbyville High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Empire Beauty School

"I believe everyone deserves to know they have at least one person to help and support them and I want to be that person for others."

Lucas Stanley, Knightstown High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Ball State University

"Without working or trying your hardest, it is ultimately impossible to succeed at anything you want to accomplish. That is the most important lesson I have learned in JAG...so far."

Kynndall Willhite, North Putnam High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Butler University

"My work ethic is self taught, no one made me this way. I have a passion for working, but mainly working to serve other people."

Peyton Lewis, Eastern Greene High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Ivy Tech Community College

"When I joined JAG, I became part of a bigger family where I won’t be judged if I open up. The biggest lesson I have learned through JAG is the importance of accountability."

Angel Tunny, South Ripley High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Trine University

"I do everything I can to give back to the JAG program since it gave so much to me. The most amazing thing about the JAG program is that my story is heard so much across the nation."

Victoria Martinez, Austin High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Purdue University

"JAG has taught me that I’m capable of anything, and I want everyone to know this. Life can be demanding, but with determination and the right support, success is always within reach."

Kaitlyn Clark, Pike Central High School
Anticipates Enrolling at University of Southern Indiana

"After almost two years of being a part of this program, it has become clear that JAG has taught me skills I will need to make achieving the stability I’ve craved my entire life much more doable."

Lilliana Mendoza, Arsenal Tech High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Purdue University

"I will embrace the values of integrity, hard work, and dedication that JAG instills in its students. I am committed to not only achieving my personal goals but also giving back to my peers and inspiring others to do the same."

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Press Release

JAG Indiana Students to Compete for National Recognition at 2025 Career Development Conference

INDIANAPOLIS (March 14, 2025) – The Indiana Department of Workforce Development announced the state finalists advancing to the 2025 Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) National Career Development Conference (CDC) following the state competition held today at Ivy Tech Community College.

JAG CDC showcases Indiana’s top young talent as students from across the state compete in categories such as public speaking, business development, financial literacy, and employability skills. Winners from today’s competition have the chance to represent Indiana at the National CDC, which brings together JAG students from across the country to demonstrate their career readiness, connect with employers, and explore future opportunities.

“JAG Indiana continues to provide students with the skills and confidence they need to continue to succeed beyond high school,” said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. “Each year, we see incredible growth in our students as they prepare to take their talents to the national stage.”

2025 JAG Indiana State CDC Winners Include:

Chapter Brochure

1^st – Shenandoah High School

2^nd – Franklin Central High School

3^rd – Benton Central High School

Chapter Commercial

1^st – Shenandoah High School

2^nd – Franklin Central High School

3^rd – Tippecanoe Valley High School

Chapter Social Media Campaign

1^st – Tippecanoe Valley High School

2^nd – Oakland High School

3^rd – Franklin Central High School

Cover Design

1^st – Brianna Nichols (DeKalb High School)

2^nd – Dayton Grubb (Sullivan High School)

3^rd – Olorunkanyinsola Tokan-Lawal (Avon High School)

Business Plan

1^st – Adam King, Caden Kramer, Cruz Meece (Southridge High School)

2^nd – Kelly Lohrum, Gracie Patton, Rachel Woosley (South Ripley High School)

3^rd – Caden Kawlewski, Owen Pearson, Eli Sheets (Benton Central High School)

Career Preparation

1^st – Rylee Burner (Owen Valley High School)

2^nd – Avery Friedberg (Warsaw High School)

3^rd – Katelyn Martynowicz (North Manchester High School)

Creative Decision Making

1^st – Keyonna Madden, Madison Shephard, Nick Vanoven (Franklin County High School)

2^nd – Griffen Starr, Liam Sullivan, Braxton Woodall (North Putnam High School)

3^rd – Kate Jones, Aaliyah Kohlhouse, Lainey Snyder (Lincoln High School)

Employability Skills

1^st – Maggie Onderko-White (North Manchester High School)

2^nd – Brithney Isidore (Indianapolis Metropolitan High School)

3^rd – Kyler Cornell (North Newton Jr/Sr High School)

Financial Literacy

1^st – Ian White (Owen Valley High School)

2^nd – Eduar Padilla (George Washington High School)

3^rd – Ashton Dodd (Greensburg Community High School)

Prepared Speaking

1^st – Aleah Dean (Austin High School)

2^nd – Shelby Williams (Milan High School)

3^rd – Taiwo Ogunmilade (Decatur Central High School)

Project-Based Learning

1^st – Deziree Dower, Kiley Robinson, Madison Rose (Franklin County High School)

2^nd – Jose Mejia Caballero, Fatima Novoa, Giselle Vargas Garcia (Shelbyville High School)

3^rd – Lacey Dawson, Grace Hall, Aadyn Ousley (North Manchester High School)

Outstanding Senior

1^st – Makia Lucas (Warsaw Community High School)

2^nd – Brooklyn Winkler (Shelbyville High School)

3^rd – Kynndall Willhite (North Putnam High School)

Looking ahead to the 2025 JAG National CDC, held April 24 – 26 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, select Indiana winners compete against students from across 30+ states, showcasing their skills and leadership development gained through the JAG program at the national level. The students will have the chance to expand networks and gain exposure to various industries.

About JAG Indiana
JAG Indiana is a state-based affiliate of the national Jobs for America’s Graduates program, dedicated to helping high school students overcome barriers to success and achieve graduation. The program teaches 88 career competencies, including critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills, to prepare students for college, careers, and beyond. Schools interested in implementing a JAG program are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/jag/.

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JAG CDC 2024
JAG Career Development Conference 2024

Testimonials
Makenzie Rojas, Michigan City High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Ball State University
"JAG is something that helps our community and benefits so many people. Without JAG, I would not have begun planning my career path as in depth as I have, nor would I have been able to help my peers with their applications as much as I have. JAG has been full of great opportunities and I am glad that I stuck with it!"
Chaya Lynch, Goshen High School
Anticipates Enrolling at St. Mary's College
"JAG has greatly assisted me in my high school career and given me a priceless amount of guidance to pursue all of my plans. I have taken many steps towards impacting my surroundings in a positive way, and JAG is one thing that has helped begin bringing those ambitions to life, which I am very grateful for."
Carleigh Blevins, Manchester Jr./Sr. High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Indiana Wesleyan University
"JAG is an incredible opportunity, and I cannot stress the importance of this class enough. I hope to one day see it required for all seniors in my school. The statistics prove this program to be extremely beneficial and I am proud to say that my future success, thanks to JAG, will contribute in making them even higher."

Jordan Johnson, Kokomo High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Ball State University
"Altogether, I will unquestionably say that as a result of entering JAG, my life has changed in ways beyond that which I thought possible. And I am beyond grateful to have the privilege of spreading the lessons I've learned from this class and continue to spread the positive impact of it to those around me."

JC Matlock, Greenfield-Central High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Ball State University
"By staying in JAG the first year, I was able to achieve so much than I never thought I was able to. I have been able to make myself known to my community and other JAG students and advisors in Indiana."

Jacob Shopher, Muncie Central High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Ball State University
"JAG has become a massive part of my life and greatly influenced my career goals. I’ve gained an instructor that in all reality has become a role model and mentor in my life."

Callee Riggle, North Putnam High School
Anticipates Enrolling at St. Mary-of-the-Woods College
"JAG Indiana is the best organization to teach adolescents how to support each other, establish new friendships, develop important life skills, and ultimately become better people and create a better community. I am extremely thankful for everything JAG has provided me, but most importantly, JAG showed me that I want to be an elementary teacher and I want to change children’s lives."

Andrea Williams, Mitchell High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Butler University
"JAG isn’t just a program, it’s a life line and it has truly saved my life. It will be the hardest thing to leave behind when I go on to follow my dreams. I know I will forever have Mrs. Porter right by my side. Before JAG this never seemed possible. I am proud of myself for where I have made it in life and so excited to see how far I can go. The negative family pattern in my life has been broken by me with the help of JAG."

Kelsey Halpain, Lawrenceburg High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Ivy Tech Community College
"JAG brought opportunities for me to explore to help me decide what to do after graduation, guest speakers from the military, the Training Day Expo, and college visits have all led me to want to pursue a degree in Radiology. Radiology is an evolving field that is continuously growing and fast-paced."

Kayleigh Wells, Austin High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Hanover College
"JAG is not just a class. JAG is my home. I uphold the responsibilities I have from this program because I want as many people as possible to share my love for this class. JAG saved my life in ways that I did not know I needed. This program ignited a passion I had not felt since I was young, and it made me excited for my future again."

Diana Cortez-Sanchez, Jasper High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Salon Professional Academy
"JAG has had a huge impact on my life. This class shows students, not only the importance of employability skills, but the importance of respect and teamwork. This helps students become prepared for future jobs. Other than teaching me career and academic skills, JAG has also made me feel proud of myself, knowing my overall worth and not being scared of being bilingual. JAG class, and being an assistant in the Jasper High School office helping with being a translator, has given me confidence in myself and my heritage."

Mariska Ogutu, Ben Davis High School
Anticipates Enrolling at Vanderbilt University
"JAG has served as my mentor from the beginning. Having a specialist to depend on, someone capable of introducing me to numerous opportunities and aspects of the world beyond what school alone provides, is something for which I will always be thankful."

Press Release
DWD hosts 2024 JAG Indiana
Career Development Conference
INDIANAPOLIS (March 18, 2024) - The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) held the 2024 State Career Development Conference Friday, March 15. The conference is the annual event for Hoosier high school students enrolled in Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) to participate in competitions that highlight the employability skills they have learned through the program.
As a significant gateway between job seekers and industry, DWD's JAG program builds a talent pipeline to Indiana employers by helping high school students achieve success both through and after high school graduation.
“Our state conference showcases skills vital to a student’s future success in employment, postsecondary enrollment, and/or military enlistment,” said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. “To build on the proven efficacy of JAG, DWD, under the leadership of Governor Holcomb, is in the process of expanding from 125 to 250 programs. Once the expansion is complete, JAG programming will reach an estimated 10,000 students annually, driving an outsized impact on their communities and the state of Indiana.”
JAG Indiana’s 16th annual State Career Development Conference was the culmination of regional competitions, which focused on disciplines critical to employment. More than 145 students from over 50 Indiana high schools advanced to the state conference for an opportunity to earn monetary awards by showcasing skills learned through the program, such as finance, entrepreneurship and project management.
"By staying in JAG the first year, I was able to achieve so much than I never thought I was able to," said Greenfield-Central High School senior, JC Matlock. "I have been able to make myself known to my community and other JAG students and advisors in Indiana."
Students competed in 14 categories, including the Outstanding Senior Award.
"JAG is something that helps our community and benefits so many people," said Michigan City High School senior, Makenzie Rojas. "Without JAG, I would not have begun planning my career path as in depth as I have, nor would I have been able to help my peers with their applications as much as I have. JAG has been full of great opportunities and I am glad that I stuck with it."
JAG is a state-based, national non-profit organization dedicated to helping high school students of promise who have experienced challenging or traumatic life experiences achieve academic success through graduation. Students learn up to 88 competencies such as critical thinking, team leadership and effective communications skills to increase employability.
To learn more about JAG, including Indiana’s expansion of the program, click here.
This year's conference took place at the Ivy Tech Community College Culinary and Conference Center in Indianapolis.
Top Finishers
Click the students name to find a photo of the student on DWD's Flickr account. Joining the award recipient(s) on stage to accept certificates includes DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk, DWD Associate Chief of Workforce Programs Leslie Crist and JAG National Vice President of Operations and Affiliate Relations Jan Ennis, unless otherwise noted.
Career Presentation
- 1st Place – Brailen Morries, Owen Valley High School
- 2nd Place – Samantha Slavin, DeKalb High School
- 3rd Place – Lila Kirkman, Decatur Central High School
Chapter Brochure
- 1st Place – Purdue Polytechnic High School
- 2nd Place – Oakland Academy
- 3rd Place – Franklin Central High School
Chapter Commercial
- 1st Place - Hammond Central High School, to see the commercial, click here
- 2nd Place – Jasper High School, to see the commercial, click here
- 3rd Place - Manchester Jr./Sr. High School, to see the commercial, click here
Chapter Social Media Campaign
- 1st Place – George Washington High School
- 2nd Place – Hammond Central High School
- 3rd Place – Avon High School
College Success Program
- 1st Place - Trinity Akins, Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne and graduated from Manchester Jr./Sr. High School
- 2nd Place - Israel Gutierrez, Vincennes University and graduated from Southridge High School
- 3rd Place - Stephanie Diaz, Ivy Tech Community College and graduated from Snider High School
Cover Design
- 1st Place – Marqus Sanders, George Washington High School
- 2nd Place – Koltyn Ladd, Oakland Academy
- 3rd Place – Cherish Marion, West Washington High School
Creative Solutions
- 1st Place – Aliyah Nichols, Manchester Jr./Sr. High School
- 2nd Place – Tomas Gilmore, Pike Central High School
- 3rd Place – Antonio Lemus, Hammond Central High School
Critical Thinking
- 1st Place – Braylon Judy, Manchester Jr./Sr. High School
- 2nd Place – Hailey Swope, Tippecanoe Valley High School
- 3rd Place – Jahzara Wright, Decatur Central High School
Employability Skills
- 1st Place – Olivia Davis, Manchester Jr./Sr. High School
- 2nd Place – Isabella Marrow, Mitchell High School
- 3rd Place – Gavin Williams, Sullivan High School
Entrepreneurship Plan
- 1st Place – Manchester Jr./Sr. High School
- 2nd Place – Scottsburg High School
- 3rd Place – Franklin County High School
Financial Literacy
- 1st Place – Bryce Miller, Madison Consolidated High School
- 2nd Place – Carolyn Hoffemeyer, Manchester Jr./Sr. High School
- 3rd Place – Josh Roberts, Edgewood High School
Project-Based Learning
- 1st Place – Eastern Greene High School
- 2nd Place – Scottsburg High School
- 3rd Place – DeKalb High School
Public Speaking
- 1st Place - Shelby Williams, Milan High School
- 2nd Place - Payton Hamby, Manchester Jr./Sr. High School
- 3rd Place - Gunnar Crispen, Tippecanoe Valley High School
Writing Skills
- 1st Place - Angel Tunny, South Ripley High School
- 2nd Place - Emily Rumley, Owen Valley High School
- 3rd Place - Jenna Shaw, Greenfield-Central High School
Outstanding Senior
- 1st Place – JC Matlock, Greenfield-Central High School
- 2nd Place – Andrea Williams, Mitchell High School
- 3rd Place – Diana Cortez-Sanchez, Jasper High School
- Honorable Mention – Makenzie Rojas, Michigan City High School
- Honorable Mention – Chaya Lynch, Goshen High School
- Honorable Mention – Jordan Johnson, Kokomo High School
- Honorable Mention – Jacob Shopher, Muncie Central High School
- Honorable Mention – Callee Riggle, North Putnam High School
- Honorable Mention – Kelsey Halpain, Lawrenceburg High School
- Honorable Mention – Kayleigh Wells, Austin High School
- Honorable Mention – Mariska Ogutu, Ben Davis High School
- Honorable Mention – Carleigh Blevins, Manchester Jr./Sr. High School