Jobs for Georgia graduates [newsletter], Spring 2000

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Lamario Harris, President Currence Burgess, Coordinator of Leadership
Development Contessa Shepard, Coordinator of Career
Preparation Jason Webb, Coordinator of Civic Affairs Tedria Martin, Coordinator of Social Affairs Sophia Newberry, Secretary The Association invited Mr. Marcus Girard to the school as guest speaker to address students at TCHS. Mr. Girard, founder of Marcus Girard Youth Intervention Services and Training Institute, was a big hit with students and a favorite motivational speaker. JGG Members who received academic recognition are: Lawrence Jackson, Mona Hillmon Gwen Foster, Contessa Shephard, Nicole Burgess, Nancy Scott, and Andrea Holmes. Congratulations are in order for two JGG members for runner-up to Class A State Basketball Championship, Nicole Burgess and Mona Hillmon. Congratulations to Jason Webb, Contessa Shephard, and Jamie Lavender for JROTC honors. JGG members who received ROTC recognition are Tedria Martin, Shanoe Prather, Andrea Holmes, Nicole Burgess, and Mona Hillmon. TCHS is excited about its first year! Many students are entering the military, post-secondary schools, and the workforce.
Valdosta High School
On March 1, 2000, three students represented Valdosta High School at the Jobs for Georgia Graduates Regional Competition in Macon. N. Gerard Pierce competed in Public Speaking, Allen Perry competed in Decision-Making and Tangela Sherman competed in the Interviewing Skills event. During the regional competitions, an essay based upon the theme The Most Prominent Person of the Twentieth Century was submitted by Rachel Daniels. The Chapter also submitted a chapter manual and chapter exhibit.
In the regional competition, Rachel Daniels placed second for her essay about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and N. Gerard Pierce placed third in the Public Speaking event.

The Valdosta High School Chapter attended the Annual Career Association Conference at the Macon Coliseum on March 16, 2000. Twentyseven students from Valdosta High School were present. In the state competitive events, N. Gerard Pierce placed second in the Public Speaking event. The students marveled about the days activities. They learned the significance and depth of the Jobs for Georgia Graduates Program. A good time was had by all.
We have been involved in numerous community service and social events. The Valdosta High School Chapter of JGG donated Easter eggs to the Coastal Plains Pre-K, and sponsored a Custodial Appreciation Day.
Members also had a luncheon in honor of Job Specialist, Shawna Taylor Reaves.Currently, students have perfected their employability skills and graduated on May 26, 2000.
Food for Thought . . .
There is really a very little difference between people; it is called attitude; and it makes a really big difference. The big difference is whether its positive or negative.
W. Clement Stone
It doesnt matter what road you take, hill you climb, or path youre on, you will always end up in the same place, learning.
Ralph Stevenson
Your failures in life come from not realizing your nearness to success when you give up.
Yoruba proverb

Jobs for

Georgia Graduates

Volume I

Spring 2000

AVIEW OF THE WORLD
By Doug Richards
There are always two ways of looking at things. Some people see only the clouds; the smart ones know about the silver lining. Id like to think that life gives us every opportunity to put things in the proper perspective . . .
to see the horizon of tomorrow beyond our limited view, and glimpsing at the things that are truly important. The general rule seems to be this: that unhapiness is usually the result of shortsightedness; while the real joy of living is to be found in so many places of our world . . . It all depends on how you look at it.
Dont look for your gratification to come in a lump sum. Look for it in the little ways, and save each one for you.
Dont miss the miracle. Dont be so involved in trying to be a success that you forget that you . . . in your own unique and wonderful way . . .
already are a success.
I dont know much about philosophy, but I do know this: that we get out of it what we put into it,
and we can always do more and be more . . . be stronger, more enduring, more happy . . . than we think we can.
Lets think less and imagine more. Lets realize that each day brings with it
the miracle of a new beginning.

FROM THE DIRECTORS DESK
Congratulations to the class of 2000! On behalf of the Georgia Department of Labor and Jobs for Georgia Graduates, we certainly wish you much success and happiness in the years to come. You have graduated and entered an unprecedented period in our countrys history of growth and prosperity. There are limitless opportunities for you to achieve your goals and to establish yourselves as productive citizens in your community. We certainly hope that your affiliation and involvement with the Jobs for Georgia Graduates program have given you the preparation to transition successfully either from school to work, post-secondary training or the military. Graduation from high school only marks the beginning of your accomplishments and goals. It is important to remember that life offers a series of new beginnings and endings. Graduation is not the end but only the beginning of great things to come!
Nedra M. Wakefield Project Director Jobs for Georgia Graduates

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Albany High School
The Albany High School Jobs for Georgia Graduates Career Association hosted a surprise Parents Banquet on May 3, 2000. It was truly a special night for parents and guardians. Through the efforts of community support the banquet was a real success. Private sponsors included: Kentucky Fried Chicken, Carters Grill, Target, Publix and Harveys Supermarkets. Among the parents, guardians and students were representatives from Coca-Cola Bottling, The U. S. Armed Forces, Carters Grill and KFC.
We congratulate those members that have already received full or partial scholarships to further their education. Shun Jenkins received a full two-year scholarship. Andrea Ewings has been awarded a full 4-year Presidential Scholarship to Albany State University. Also attending Albany State University on scholarship will be Carla Hawkins. LaTasha Williams has been accepted to Fort Valley State University and Monica Mitchell has enlisted in the U. S. Army. Santwan Odum will soon begin his military training with the U. S. Marine Corps.
The Annual Jobs for Georgia Graduates Banquet was held on May 3, 2000. The Chapter presented the Community Service Award to Star Rivers. The JGG Outstanding Leadership Award was presented to LaTasha Williams and the Dedication/Commitment Award was presented to both Carla Hawkins and La Keyta Jordan.
The MILLENNIUM CLASS has represented well and has successfully carried out the JGG legacy.
A.E. Beach High School
The Jobs for Georgia Graduates Chapter at A. E. Beach High School is on the move!!!! The JGG students excelled both academically and career wise. The Annual Honors Day was held February 22, 2000. JGG students Dianetta Bryan, Tiavonnia Wright, Freddie Clifton, Toya Chandler, Latrice Davis, David Fleming, Lynette Green, Alexis Haynes, Charlotte Jackson, Nicole King, Michael Mann, Alethea Thompson, Wykeelah School, Danielle Swindell, Angela Moore, Keishondra Campbell,

Kristen Whetsell, Shukena Wall and Kalima Simpson were honored for their academic excellence.
On March 9, State Representative Jack Kingston sponsored a Dream Day Seminar which emphasized job preparation skills and opportunities for summer employment.
The following students participated: Verlene Alexander, Dianetta Bryan, Keishondra Campbell, Toya Chandler, David Fleming, Lynette Green, Alexis Haynes, Anetria Jones, Nicole King, Michael Mann, Angela Moore, Latoya Peoples, Kalima Simpson, Jamel Sumpter, Danielle Swindell, Alethea Thompson, Shukena Walls, Kirstin Whetsell and Tiavonnia Wright. The Ground Hog Job Shadow Day was a success. Derrick Cunningham visited the Grey Line Bus tours and Syreeta Wright visited AmeriBank. The Career Association members were involved in the Ronald McDonald 10k run, the Savannah Food Harvest Bank, as well as other campus community activities. Congratulations are in order for 15 JGG participants who have been accepted to the college of their choice.
Calhoun High School
At the end of the school year, students were busy preparing for Prom, Beach Day and Graduation. Community Service was a big part of the end-of-the-year plans as students worked toward the SHOC (Students Helping our Community) seal on their diplomas.
On Thursday, April 27th, the Career Association invited a vocational class of underclassmen for a presentation by Mr. Marcus Girard. During both lunch periods, students enjoyed refreshments and visited with Mr. Girard.
Many JGG students were a part of the Senior Play which was held on May 11th and 12th. Through their participation, they learned commitment and responsibility as well as exposure in performing before a live audience.
JGG members have a variety of plans after graduation and some are still preparing for college by trying to improve their SAT scores. Several JGG members participated in a joint enrollment program at Coosa Valley Tech.

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service projects. The Career Association volunteered their time at the Quiet Oaks Nursing Home to talk, walk and play games with the residents. They also helped to clean up and organize the Rural Outreach office which included the food bank. The Career Association members volunteered their time and money to the Relay for Life.
The Oglethorpe County High School Chapter placed in Outstanding Chapter Manual, Public Speaking, Interviewing Skills, Decision-Making Skills and Essay Writing Skills competitive events on the regional level. Our Chapter attended the state conference for the first time in March, and we had a wonderful time. We were later host to Cleo Sands, one of the Breakout session speakers at the State Conference. JGG members welcomed her to Oglethorpe County High School with school wide participation and a reception followed.
Paulding County High School
The Paulding County Jobs for Georgia Graduates class of 2000 has had a very successful and rewarding year. We were able to start several community service projects which we believe will become standard projects for JGG classes of the future. We were able to send two students to Washington, DC for the National Jobs for Americas Graduates Leadership Workshop. Our JGG program is growing and changing and we hope that it will continue to play a positive role in the lives of its members.

Savannah High School
The Savannah High School Career Association participated in various activities during the 19992000 school year. The Initiation and Installation Ceremony was held on December 13, 1999. The keynote speaker was television anchor personality, Ms. Mishawna Anthony, from WJCL Cable Channel 4 News. The beautifully orchestrated event held at Savannah High School auditorium was catered by Barnes Restaurant of Wilmington Island.
Other local activities and events in which the Career Association participated included fresh fruit baskets and dissemination of new pillows to the residents of Chatham Nursing Home. The Career Association members also initiated a successful canned food drive and Toys for Tots campaign to benefit the Inner City Night Shelter located in downtown Savannah. Additionally, the Pull Tab program sponsored by the Ronald McDonald House profited from the efforts of the JGG members. End of the year activities included volunteering with the local Red Cross and making a financial contribution to Greenbriar Childrens Center, an organization that serves over 1,500 children and families in crisis.
Several JGG officers traveled to Macon, Georgia to participate in the State Annual Career Association Conference, March 16, 2000. Other enhancement programs included Southern Leadership Conference in Macon, and a session with Motivational Speaker, Marcus Girard in Savannah.
As always, we encourage all members of JGG to believe in themselves and to remember, Its not where you came from, but where you are going that makes a difference.

Turner County High School
Turner County High School enters its first year implementing the Jobs for Georgia Graduates Program. The activities began with the election of officers. The JGG Career Association Officers for 1999-2000 are:

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Lowndes County High School
We had a great and exciting year. JGG members have been working in the community and on campus. Several members helped serve at a soup kitchen in the community. We also walked for the March of Dimes Walk for Charity. A car wash was held to raise money for our end of the year school party. Members also worked at the Red Cross Blood Drive held on campus. There were also eight members who gave blood.
JGG members who will graduate with honors are Myrna Leonard, President; Jackie Bishop, Treasurer; and Juree Taylor, Coordinator of Leadership Development. Graduation was held on May 25, 2000. Lowndes County High School sends the best of luck and congratulations to all members of JGG throughout the state.
North Springs High School
The North Springs High School Career Association Chapter was actively involved in the community throughout the year. Whether through efforts to keep North Springs and its general vicinity clean, or helping at a nearby recycling center, JGG members served people throughout the city.
Students have received a variety of scholarships ranging from the Bill Gates Scholarship to the HOPE Scholarship. Notably, Naria Belay, Co-Coordinator of Social Affairs, was one of two students who received the Rotary Club Scholarship for $2,000.
As many students begin to plan for graduation, members eagerly await the arrival of the acclaimed Kenti stoles, our JGG Graduation chords.
Graduation was held at Georgia State University on Sunday, June 4, 2000. Many of the students are still reflecting on the State Career Association Conference. The messages of the motivational speakers have remained with the seniors. As they prepare to enter the workforce, they are reminded that there are four steps to success:

1. Plan Purposefully 2. Prepare Prayerfully 3. Proceed Positively 4. Pursue Persistently Peace be with you and may you prosper in all that you do.

Newnan High School

Newnan High School participated in the Regional

Competition in Atlanta, Georgia and State

Conference in Macon, Georgia. Tolla Thomason

placed 1st in Employment Interview Skills at Regional

Competition, Shanira Johnson received 1st Place in

the Team Challenge Competition. Newnan High

School also placed 3rd in the Outstanding Chapter

Manual Event. Newnan High School was well

represented with thirty four (34) members

attending the State Conference.

JGG members participated in Teacher

Appreciation Day, Coweta County Special

Olympics, March of Dimes Walk-a-thon, and the

Red Cross Blood Drive at Newnan High School.

The following Newnan High Jobs for Georgia

Graduates members are Class of 2000 Honor

Graduates:

Sarina Altman

Samuel Duenckel

Brandi Dewberry Leah Cebulski

Shanira Johnson Tolla Thomason

Tabatha Clements April Lee

Erin Corpe

Ryan Powell

JGG members have been participating in Career

Workshops with Air Tran Airways and Delta Airlines

at Newnan High School. JGG students are being

recruited for employment this summer.

Members have engaged in employability skills

training and were prepared for their graduation,

which was May 26, 2000.

Oglethorpe County High School
Oglethorpe County High Schools Career Association has recently completed several community

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Cedar Shoals High School
The Cedar Shoals Chapter held its Initiation and Installation Ceremony on February 18, 2000. Ms. Kathy Dawson, Human Resource Specialist at Carrier Transicold was the guest speaker.
The Cedar Shoals High School JGG members completed two community service projects this year. JGG members participated in Earth Day clean-up at Cedar Shoals and an egg hunt at Whit Davis Elementary School for a kindergarten and second grade (reading buddies) class. The students filled over 200 plastic eggs with candies and prizes for the children. We had a blast!
Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central JGG members got together for a day in the sun at Memorial Park. The students enjoyed their cookout and even had the opportunity to play several games of volleyball.
Several members have been awarded scholarships and they include: Latrice Rozier, $1,000 Sam Walton Community scholarship for the 2000-2001 academic year; Anthony Dorsey, $1,000 Papa Johns scholarship; and Waissa Lawson received a full basketball scholarship to attend Valdosta State University. Haneefah Collins will be entering the Navy on July 14, 2000.
Congratulations to all! May your future be bright!
Clarke Central High School
The Clarke Central Career Association Chapter has completed five community service projects this year.
In the Regional Career Association competition, the Clarke Central manual (committee chaired by Sheree Yearby) won third place; the exhibit (committee chaired by Tiffany Wakefield) won first place; Csherri Ritter won third place in the essay competition and Celestina Ngeve won second place for public speaking. On the state level, Csherri Ritter placed first in the essay competition,and we placed third for the outstanding chapter manual event.
We planned a first annual end-of-the-year awards banquet which was held on May 19th. Graduation was on June 2nd and the students are

proud to be the first graduating class of the twentyfirst century.
Creekside High School
The Creekside High School Jobs for Georgia Graduates (JGG) participated in the State Career Association Conference and achieved the first trophy in the schools history. The Creekside team worked night and day putting together the Chapter Manual, and the hard work paid off, with the team placing 1st in the Regional Competition and 2nd in the State Competition. Some of the team competed individually in other events and shared their talents in areas like: Interviewing Skills, Public Speaking and Decision Making Skills.
As the academic year comes to a close, the JGG participants had an opportunity to participate in The Tenth Year Anniversary Celebration of Creekside High School. There was a Gala Affair held on April 29, 2000 bringing together current faculty, administration and students with former faculty and students. JGG members participated by contributing to the time capsule. Many former JGG participants were part of the celebration.
The members of the JGG class of 2000 will receive their JAG certificates at the Senior Awards Banquet on May 25, 2000. Only the students that have achieved all 37 competencies will receive a certificate of mastery.
On the following weekend, the participants sponsored their final community service a car wash with proceeds going to a needy family in the community. The recipient of the gift has not yet been chosen, but the family selected will be from the Fairburn/Union City area.
The Creekside High Graduation Ceremony was held at the Arrowhead Stadium on June 2, 2000 at 7:30 p.m. The participants of the program eagerly waited to march across the stage. Many are blessed with talent, many are blessed with gifts. We are all blessed with opportunity. It is being prepared for that day that will make the difference, if we fail or succeed. As the JGG participants go out into the world, let it be known that you have been groomed to succeed.

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Cross Creek High School
The Cross Creek High School JGG Career Association had a pizza party on March 23, 2000 in celebration of the winners who competed in the State Career Association Conference. Everyone had a wonderful time. The winners on the state level were:
Tondra Newman, Decision Making Tied Second Place
A. Tiwane Artis, Interviewing Second Place
Kindra Moore, Team Challenge First Place
During the Regional Competitive Events held prior to the State Conference, Cross Creek members placed in five of the six events.
Brenda Negron, Essay Writing First Place
A. Tiwane Artis, Interviewing Second Place
Tondra Newman, Decision Making Second Place
Kari Collier & Tawanda Davis, Chapter Manual First Place
Tony Sires, Alycia Rogers & Kevin Thurmond, Chapter Exhibit
Second Place JGG members Tondra Newman and Alycia Rogers were introduced to society on April 29, 2000 at the Rosa T. Beard Debutante 35th Annual cotillion. The Augusta Adult Society, Inc. sponsored the occasion and the theme was Live Lovely for Excellence. The Cross Creek High School Career Association sponsored a canned food drive for the Golden Harvest Food Bank on May 13, 2000. All students participated in this event and brought between 5 to 30 canned items. Cross Creek High Schools first graduation ceremony was held on June 8, 2000.
Dawson County High School
The Dawson County High School Y2K seniors have finally made it to the end! They found just how

quickly time flies. Congratulations to all members of our Career Association who helped make this years annual Jobs for Georgia Graduates Conference a success. Many thanks to local merchants, Ingles Grocery and the Dawsonville Poolroom, for their donations of refreshments for the monthly Career Association meetings throughout the school year.
The annual DCHS talent show Main Event had many JGG members involved both on and off stage. Heather Carney performed a vocal solo for the first time. Old pros Michael Dorsey and Christina Smith sang and danced. Air Force-bound Barbara Dordyke worked behind the scenes as a lighting operator.
This year, before the prom, JGG members Jana Phillips and Nykki Gray acted in Ghost Out to show juniors and seniors the details of a real traffic accident involving drinking and driving. Former JGG member, Deputy Johnny Holtclaw of the Dawson County Sheriffs Department, staged the program.
After spring break, JGG members got some extra community service time by working with the American Red Cross for one last blood drive before June 2nd.
Many JGG members will attend either vocational school or college on scholarships. Other JGG members are putting their employability skills training to work either planning for full-time jobs or the military. Guest speakers this year, to help JGG members in the workforce, included: Judy Walls from Dawson County Bank, military recruiters, and William Lockhart of the National Guard.
Dougherty Comprehensive High School
The DCHS Career Association kicked off the beginning of spring gearing up for the Annual State Career Association held in Macon. There was much preparation for the conference. The chapter met and selected their choice of competitors: Shavokia Davis-Brown/Decision-Making; Natalie Pittmon/ Public Speaking; Jamal Reynolds/Interviewing Skills; Catherine Barlow/Essay Writing; Benjamin Harris/ Team Challenge; Dorin McGill and Robert Bronner/ Chapter Exhibit and Crystal Milledge and Sekeitha Clay/Chapter Manual. The students prepared for the

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competitive events through research and practice.
The spring brought about numerous events for the seniors at DCHS. While anxiously awaiting the spring conference, Dougherty hosted the Mr. DCHS Pageant and JGG was proudly represented by Mr. Benjamin Harris. Other members who participated in the pageant were John Mullins and Shannon James.
Technology Week kicked off with a host of activities for students. Students participated in an interview competition during the week which was judged by representatives from the Albany Field Service Office. DCHS was proud to welcome Mr. Mike Flowers, Manager of the Albany FSO, as one of the judges.
The Chapter applauded our job specialist, Ms. Blackshear, as she was awarded a Dedicated Service Plaque from the United States Air Force by Staff Sergeant Hines.
Finally, it was conference time and the competitors had been narrowed down as a result of the regional competition. Shavokia Bryant-Davis represented DCHS on the state level and placed third. The chapter exhibit also placed third. Our chapter would like to thank Commissioner Michael L.Thurmond for believing in us as young people and Mrs. Nedra Wakefield and her staff for all the hard work in preparing for the conference. It was an experience that will be a memorable one.
Congratulations to Pamlay Cato for being elected Prom Queen. Good luck to Cheryle Davis who tried out for cheerleader at Columbus State. The seniors of DCHS graduated on June 2, 2000. The class of 2000 motto, We started this and we are going to finish it.
H. V. Jenkins High School
Congratulations to Jessica Rosario who won first place on the regional and state level Career Association competitive events. Jessica will attend Duke University this fall on a $20,000 NJROTC scholarship. We also congratulate our regional winners: Shajuan Chance, second place Public

Speaking; John Anderson, third place DecisionMaking; and LaFrida Tyson, Melissa Speaks, Andrea Hamilton, Zachary Brandley, first place Chapter Manual. Congratulations to all.
The following JGG members have received scholarships: Naziah Hasan was awarded a $25,000 scholarship to attend Yale University. She plans to major in physics and african Studies. Jacqueline Dorsey received $20,000, Kimberly Smith $500, Eliza Allen $20,000 and ShaJuan Chance $2,500.
The HVJ Chapter is very proud of its year long accomplishments, including: the Valentines Day Party at the Greenbriar Childrens Center. It was a great success. Our fundraising efforts were profitable and our end of the year activity is a trip to Wetn Wild in Orlando, Florida. A Senior Parents Appreciation Day was held on May 18th. Graduation day was June 1, 2000.
Congratulations to the H. V. Jenkins Chapter for a wonderful year.
Sol C. Johnson High School
Greetings from Sol C. Johnson High School. The JGG members participated in the annual City of Savannah Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade on January 17, 2000. The students really enjoyed this wonderful day of observance. Black History Month was celebrated with a Voter Registration Drive on February 17, 2000. The participants were able to surpass their goal of 100 registered voters. This was an awesome experience for each of them.
On April 7, 2000 the JGG members enjoyed a beautiful day at Georgia Southern University. A Southern ambassador guided the members through a walking tour of the university. An information session was also given by one of the admission counselors. Lunch was enjoyed at one of the campus eateries. On April 29th, fifteen members volunteered at the Savannah Area March of Dimes, Walk America 2000.
The JGG class of 2000 had a successful year. Wishing them all the best. Go Atom Smashers!!!!!!