Warsaw Community High School junior Makia Lucas has been elected president-elect of the Indiana State JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) Career Association.
Competing against peers from across the state, Lucas distinguished herself with her leadership qualities and commitment. In her new role, Lucas will help to lead the state association, guide her peers and represent them at various advocacy events, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.
Jobs for America’s Graduates is a state-based, national non-profit organization focused on helping high school students overcome challenges. The program promotes academic success and career readiness, and is instrumental in developing a resilient workforce.
With 125 JAG programs in Indiana alone, the initiative supports students through adult mentoring and ongoing post-graduation advice. Impressively, approximately 95% of participants graduate, with many furthering their education, supported by grants from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, stated the release.
Taylor Myers, JAG specialist at WCHS, said, “Makia Lucas has really outdone herself by being elected as president elect for JAG Indiana. This means that she will represent all schools that currently have a JAG program. She will get to experience so many great opportunities with our program and we are so proud to see her push her limits in this role. She will then move up to the president of Indiana next year.”
Dr. David Hoffert, Warsaw superintendent, said, “We are so excited for Makia and this statewide designation. This opportunity showcases her local leadership and talents on a broader stage. We are proud and thankful for her leadership in exemplifying the WCS mission.”
“At the Warsaw Area Career Center, we're incredibly proud of Makia Lucas, one of our shining stars who has been elected as the Indiana State JAG Career Association president,” said Warsaw Area Career Center Principal Ben Barkey. “Our Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) program is dedicated to empowering students like Makia to achieve their fullest potential. Her achievement is a testament to the program's success and the passion our students bring to their futures. This moment not only highlights the exceptional talent she possesses but also celebrates the impact our JAG program has in opening doors for our students.”