At Colleton County High School there are many elective classes and courses that prepare students for the future. There are dual-enrollment classes that take place at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, and elective classes that are not offered directly on campus but at Thunderbolt Career and Technology Center (also known as TCTC). One specific program that is offered is the JAG elective class.
JAG stands for Jobs for America’s Graduates. This elective class is led by Mrs. Alana Lane, and Mr. Shon Johnson. October 8th, I had the pleasure of meeting with them for an interview through The Press and Standard with Mrs. Dana Erickson. As a person with a strong passion to pursue a career when I get out of high school, it was amazing to find out that an opportunity to start early lies right in front of me. Before the student is entered into the class, they participate in an interview with their teacher to discuss the JAG class. The students are asked basic questions concerning why they want to take the JAG class, they are also asked questions regarding concerns about public speaking and listening to public speakers. If the student has difficulty with social skills Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Lane teaches them those skills to be able to listen and speak proudly in front of their peers. They are taught how to handle tough situations where they would be called on in the classroom in front of their fellow students. An important question that is commonly asked in high school is, “What do you plan to do after you graduate?” A lot of students do not know the answer to this question when they are first asked by their school counselor in the ninth grade. The JAG class helps the students figure this out and when they do they help them explore the options that come with this career.
During my discussion with Mr. Johnson and Mrs. Lane, they spoke about the criteria the students should meet before joining the class. The criteria are academic, personal, environment, income and work-related, and social criteria. No matter the criteria that the students should meet, their teachers help them progress and get to that level of where they need to be and can be. During my interview I observed the pure joy that both JAG instructors get from teaching this class and helping students progress academically and mentally. The JAG Specialists are constantly looking for new students who are interested in the program and their future careers. JAG is holding an Induction and Installation meeting on November 18, to continue growing the program and to help students succeed.
