Dora JAG kicks off year with speakers, field trip to Midwest Technical Institute
The Dora JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) class visited Midwest Technical Institute in Springfield Aug. 29, and toured the welding, cosmetology, medical coding, medical specialists, phlebotomy and dental assistant programs. The class also learned about the HVAC-R and truck driving offerings from MTI. Dora’s JAG class is focused on exposing students to various options and career paths after high school graduation.
Dora JAG sponsor Amanda McKee, center, was named the 2023-24 JAG Teacher of the Year award and was recognized at both the state and national levels. She was also named JAG Specialist of the Year in trauma informed care. She is pictured here with Principal Elizabeth Martin, left, and Superintendent Brett Mitchell.
Reported by Karly Bettis, sophomore
Dora JAG Vice President of Leadership Development
We’re looking forward to year four of Dora JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates). This year we’ll learn about life skills, leadership development, career preparation, public service and social awareness.
Before we jump into it, we’d like to give a big JAG clap and shout out to our teacher, Mrs. Amanda McKee for receiving the JAG Teacher of the Year award for the 2023-24 school year. She was also recognized at the state and national levels in JAG. Mrs. McKee received the national 6-of-6 Award, which underscores JAG’s commitment to measurable outcomes that matter most to young graduates. It evaluates performance across six critical metrics: on-time high school graduation, employment rate, full-time employment, total full-time positive outcomes, further education rate and connectivity rate. She also received the JAG Specialist of the Year award in trauma informed care.
Field trip and guest speaker spotlight
Ozark County Sheriff Cass Martin and Deputy Sergeant Seth Miller spoke to us about life and how our choices can impact our future. They also shared some of their favorite law enforcement memories, and we learned about them outside of the uniform. This helped us to realize they truly are just like us.
We also had an awesome trip to MTI, where we learned about all the programs offered at the Springfield location. We were able to see the welding, phlebotomy, cosmetology and dental assisting programs in action. We also learned about the medical coding and truck driving courses they offer. Our seniors are excited about a scholarship opportunity and competition that MTI will host in February.