• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Pioneer JAG Students Compete at CDC in Las Vegas

Pioneer High School’s Jobs for America’s Graduates prepare, compete, and now reflect on high performing work teams through their experiences at the Career Development Conference.

While seniors at Carson High were presenting their culminating senior projects on Monday 4/18, seven selected Pioneer High School students were representing the Carson City School District at the Jobs for America’s Graduate statewide competition and conference, also known as the Career Development Conference, held at the Texas Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

The road to the CDC was a long one for Pioneer High School’s small but mighty career association chapter. As the JAG specialist at Pioneer high school I had the challenge of supporting our association in selecting the best participants for the competitions.

Our chapter had decided back in February that they wanted the CDC participants to be selected because they would represent us the best and have the best chance at bringing home trophies. Essays were written, speeches presented, mock interviews conducted, and simulations experienced. Students then voted and the team and the alternates were chosen.

Jazmyn Conde, a senior chosen to compete in the public speaking event at the CDC, participated in the mock interviews and gave a speech prior to the team selection. She says the experience of having to compete and present before the CDC was essential in selecting a strong team rather than selecting the team just on application submissions like was done last year.

When Jazzy gave her speech in class everyone was moved by her words and it encouraged her to focus on her inspiring message prior to the CDC. She placed fourth just shy of tying for third place, and although rightfully disappointed she left the CDC committed to her culminating success as a graduating senior as well as encouraging her JAG family to continue on their paths no matter the circumstances or outcomes.

Ramon Medrano, a sophomore who competed in the creative problem solving competition with junior partner Brian Rios, was also thankful and reflective about all of the class activities that helped him and Brian to prepare for their CDC challenge; where they developed a prototype massage chair that would eliminate the problem of uncomfortably distracting student chairs.

The JAG students at Pioneer High School, especially those who attended the CDC, are now using their experience in selecting and competing as a team to discuss and learn about the essential elements of high performing work teams. Commitment, dedication, reputation, work ethic, poise and respect were just some of the elements the students have already evaluated as being essential to performing well in a group.

Taylor Lynch, the senior recently elected JAG president and competitor in employability skills at the CDC said the following, “Placing fourth in employability skills really made me see that you don’t need a diploma to have job skills.

JAG has helped me to realize that to achieve your goals, you have to keep going, you are your biggest motivator and are often the biggest thing standing in your own way of success.” She is relating her success and the team’s success at the CDC to integrity. “We have to walk the walk we talk,” she says, “We have to be here for each other and dedicate our time to practice and prepare and we can’t even do that if our team isn’t of high integrity and commitment.”

Jeremiah Beauford, a freshmen who competed in the public speaking event, had been excited about the CDC opportunity since way back in September at the first mentions of the competition. He recognizes just how important experiences like the CDC are in his personal development. Jeremiah was able to network and get to know his PHS JAG family more but also while at the conference Jeremiah learned something new from the people he spoke with on the bus to the workshop presenters and college and career fair vendors. He plans on sharing his experiences with others as he develops and leads the JAG program to future successes.

A conference and competition like the one held in Vegas on Monday can be a stressful and daunting experience but the PHS JAG students prepared and competed together as a team and I couldn’t be more proud to have my seniors be encouraged to help their JAG family next year even after they graduate or to have my blooming leaders who leave the CDC saying things like, “I want to run for President next year,” “No, I am going to be President,” “I am going to lead our team to victory.” For more information about PHS and the JAG program, visit the Pioneer High School facebook page or the carsoncityschools.com website.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

The Carson City Sheriff’s Office Investigation Division is seeking information from the public to identify a suspect in a vehicle burglary investigation.

Carson City Parks, Recreation and Open Space is introducing the capital city's first Trails Challenge in hopes of turning it into an annual outdoor adventure.

Stuff a cop car with food on May 18

A “Stuff the Cop Car With Food” event will be held at Smith’s Food Food and Drug parking lot in Dayton on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10am until 3pm.

A 63-year-old housekeeper was arrested Thursday for 14 counts of credit card fraud and other offenses after allegedly stealing a credit card belonging to an 86-year-old patient who family members said was being treated for a stroke at a local care facility, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office detective.

Marie Finkes is the director of FitzHenry’s Funeral Home in Carson City, and said that over the past year, there have been 12 bodies under her care that have been subject to extended stays. This is due to the fact that Carson City Public Administrator Scott Hoen has ignored their repeated requests for an electronic signature releasing the body for cremation.

Have you ever wanted to learn the old art of Blacksmithing? Early smiths made wagon parts, handmade tools, shaped ornamental pieces, horseshoes, hinges and just about anything to having to do with working metal into a desired shape or purpose.

Some of our fellow residents enjoying their home on a perfect spring day in Washoe Valley.

Carson City Shorts presents the first-ever Moon Rocks Sci-Fi Short Film Competition, inviting filmmakers from near and far to embark on an interstellar journey of storytelling and imagination. Presented by Silver State Storytellers, this competition challenges participants to create compelling sci-fi short films that push the boundaries of creativity and transport audiences to distant galaxies.

Pioneer Academy in Carson City celebrated their outstanding students at a combined National Honor Society Induction and awards ceremony Thursday, April 25, 2024. Thirty-eight students received awards for attendance, scholarship and excellence in the classroom.

The Virginia Truckee Railroad begins its 49th season on May 25, 2024, with an exciting schedule of both steam and diesel locomotives. The scenic train ride departs daily from the original Virginia City depot where millionaires and miners sought their fortunes 150 years ago.

Carson City School Trustees heard an update regarding the proposed absorption of Pioneer Academy under Carson High School.

Tux: the official Linux mascot

Curious about Linux? Long time user? Join us for the March meeting of the Carson City Linux Users Group. We meet on the third Saturday of each month, and have great information and discussions of interest to any level of experience with Linux.

Sierra Nevada Realtors this week released its April 2024 report on existing home sales in Carson City, Lyon, Douglas, Storey, Washoe and Churchill counties. This report includes the median sales price and number of home sales in the region. SNR obtains its information from the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service.

On May 15th, 2024, shortly after midnight, deputies with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence located on the 600 block of Angela Street in Fernley, Nev., reference a caller who reported that he had murdered his mother. The caller additionally provided that he barricaded himself inside the house, was armed with a rifle, and had planted pipe bombs at the residence.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and as part of that, Partnership Carson City (PCC) and OSP Northern Nevada are holding a workshop focused on suicide prevention training.

victorian style parlor with three ladies seated around a table with a tea set

You are invited to join Mrs. Eilley Bowers at Bowers Mansion for the Spring Living History Day. The mansion will be open to visitors for self guided tours featuring local living interpreters who will be sharing demonstrations of life during the 19th century. Also featured will be a historical talk about the mansion at the top of the hour.

Caught this beautiful perspective on Mothers Day.

Meet Matrix, Nevada Humane Society, Carson City branch Pet of the Week. Matrix, is a delightful 3-year-old pit mix girl who came into our care at the end of April. From the moment she arrived, it was clear she has an incredible affinity for people. Her warm, affectionate nature quickly endears her to everyone she encounters.

The Carson City School District took time at the School Board meeting Tuesday night to recognize 22 individuals with the “Distinguished Student Award.” The student winners were selected by administrators and recognized from their respective schools as having specific qualities, skills and characteristics that distinguished them.

Carson City Sheriff’s Office investigators are asking the public for help in identifying a vehicle and suspect linked to the theft of a catalytic converter earlier this year.

Join the Senator Youth Football Camp for K-8th graders. $80 covers 3-nights of camp from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., June 17, 18, and 19. Led by the CHS high school coaches and players, children will learn techniques for all positions, play games, and compete.

Carson High School Wrestling invites you to our annual Golf Tournament on June 15th, 2024, at Silver Oak Golf Course in Carson City. This event is crucial for our program's success as it serves as our main fundraiser.

Spring is in the air and with it, babies! Several new foals have been spotted among herds in Mound House and Dayton. Photos submitted by Gary K. Gundlach.

In April Carson City Moose Lodge #2709 selected its officers for 2024. Jeff Williams is the new President, Rosemarie Menapace, Vice President, David Wroth, Sgt of Arms, Ron Rehn, Chaplain, Nathan Rakestraw, Treasurer, Allen Gosselin, Secretary.

On a sunny Saturday morning, 100 volunteer participants fanned out across Lake Tahoe’s South Shore to take water quality samples from 34 streams, creeks, ponds, and lakes to monitor the health of the Truckee River watershed and Lake Tahoe as part of the 24th annual Snapshot Day. They were joined by teams doing the same tests simultaneously in other regions of the watershed.

Just before noon on Tuesday a crash with injuries was reported on the I-580 on ramp from N. Carson Street.

According to dispatch there are two vehicles involved, one of which was towing a trailer.

Injuries have been reported and the number two lane is blocked.

Traffic cameras show vehicles are moving slowly but are able to get through to Washoe Valley.

Motorists must use caution in the area.

Looking for programs to make your child’s summer more exciting and educational?
Why not enroll your children in Western Nevada College Continuing Education’s iLead and Summer Sports Camps?

Throughout Northern Nevada, seniors are finding fulfillment and purpose through giving back to their communities. Volunteerism among seniors in Northern Nevada isn't just an act of kindness; it's a pathway to enhanced well-being, social connection, and a legacy of service.

The Carson High School (CHS) Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) recognized Cadet Chief Petty Officer Vivi Mellow as its “Cadet of the Year” during its annual awards ceremony last Thursday in the Morse Burley Gymnasium at Carson High.

FISH will be closing ticket sales for the Historic Prison Breakout to benefit FISH at 4:30 PM on Friday May 17, 2024.