Jobs for Georgia graduates [newsletter], Winter 2000

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SOUTHSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
Southside High Schools Career Association held its annual Initiation and Installation ceremony on November 16, 1999. The keynote speaker for this momentous occasion was The Honorable Michael L. Thurmond, Commissioner of Labor. The Commissioner gave a dynamic, motivational speech about Preparing for a New Workforce in the New Millennium. Commissioner Thurmond inspired and encouraged JGG members to believe in themselves and to always remember, It is not where you came from that is important, but it is where you are going that makes a difference. Commissioner Thurmond then offered a $4,000.00 scholarship in the form of a summer 2000 internship at his office to our Career Association President, Miss Felicia Stewart.
The community service project this year was coordinated by Teddy Shealey, Coordinator of Civic Affairs. This year we collected cans of food throughout the school and delivered them to South DeKalb Mall to participate in Channel 11s, 11-Alive Can-AThon. We collected over 1,000 cans of food and continued to collect more cans throughout the annual Can-A-Thon event.
The social affairs activity was coordinated by Leshia Austin, Coordinator of Social Affairs. The annual Christmas Celebration was held on the last day of school before the Christmas Holiday. The festivities were full of food, fun, and laughter.
The Leadership Development Coordinator, Stacia Culverson, is in the process of securing employers for our Spring 2000 Career Fair.

VALDOSTA HIGH SCHOOL
The Valdosta High School Chapter of the Jobs for Georgia Graduates Career Association held its Initiation and Installation ceremony on Friday, December 10, 1999. Forty-five students were inducted into the chapter. Toccara Mack was chosen to serve as Chapter President, Tangela Sherman and N. Gerard Pierce were elected as Coordinators of Leadership Development, Allen Perry was chosen as Coordinator of Career Preparation, Devin Litle and Denys Fluitt were chosen to be Coordinators of Social Activities; Zoquita Kitchen and Ebony Mark were elected as Coordinators of Community Service, and Jennifer Gatlin was elected as the Chapter Secretary.
Valdosta High Schools Initiation and Installation Ceremony.
The guest speaker for the event was Dexter Sharper, a motivational speaker and minister of youth and music. At age 28, Dexter Sharper is the youngest City Councilman elected to serve in this position in Valdosta history. The ceremony was a success.

Editor in Chief: Ernest L. Hale II (404) 656-5567 (404) 463-0596 fax

Jobs for

Georgia Graduates

Volume I

Winter 2000

COMMISSIONERS STATEMENT
This is an important piece of my plan to develop a world class workforce in Georgia.
Michael L. Thurmond Georgia Labor Commissioner
JOBS FOR GEORGIA GRADUATES
Jobs for Georgia Graduates is affiliated with Jobs for Americas Graduates, the nations largest school- to-work transition system serving 53,000 youths in 29 states.
The mission of JGG is to help young people to stay in school and to acquire the academic, personal, leadership and vocational skills they will need to be successful upon graduation. JGG also provides students 12 month follow up assistance after they leave school to ensure they transition successfully into work, post-secondary education or training, or the military.
Governor Roy Barnes and Commissioner of Labor Michael L. Thurmond at the Georgia Workforce Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia on December 9-10, 1999.

FROM THE DIRECTORS DESK
The Georgia Department of Labors Jobs for Georgia Graduates Program is proud to host the Thirteenth Annual State Career Association Conference and Awards Luncheon. The event will be held at the Macon Centreplex in Macon, Georgia on Thursday, March 16, 2000. Twentyfive Jobs for Georgia Graduates sites will be represented at the conference. The conference will offer motivational speakers, workshops and seven competitive events as well as an awards luncheon to recognize the outstanding talent of our program participants. There will be three regional competitions prior to the state competition in Macon. All regional finalists will advance to the state competition.
Jobs for Georgia Graduates Program is working very closely with the Georgia Schoolto-Work Coordinator, Jacqueline Harmon. We are extremely excited for the opportunity to expand the Jobs for Georgia Graduates Program into 13 to 15 pilot sites this fall. Many local School-to-Work Collaboratives have included the Jobs for Georgia Graduates program in their implementation planning grants. Some of the sites have requested the Jobs for Americas Graduates Five Year Model. This will be Georgias first opportunity to begin working with ninth graders in an effort to decrease the dropout rate.
Nedra M. Wakefield Project Director Jobs for Georgia Graduates

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ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL
Albany High School JGG members attended the Albany State University Visitation Day. Students learned about colleges and scholarships.
The Albany High Schools Career Association held its Initiation & Installation Ceremony on October 27, 1999.
Some JGG members were given the opportunity to attend the Renaissance Centers Educational Day in Fairburn, Georgia. The students truly enjoyed the activities and learning more about different cultures.
The Chapter scheduled two community service activities for the month of October. The first community service activity was done in conjunction with M & M Mars. The M & M Mars workers expressed great appreciation for the assistance given by the Albany High School JGG members.
The second community service project was done in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Club of Albany and Girls Incorporated. Several of the members participated in the Halloween Carnival.
In November, the officers attended the Regional Leadership Workshop in Macon, Georgia.
In December, the members decided to give back to the community by buying and collecting toys for less fortunate children.
THIS MILLENNIUM CLASS IS REPRESENTING WELL AND CARRYING OUT THE JGG LEGACY.
A.E. BEACH HIGH SCHOOL
A.E. Beach High School held its 12th Annual Initiation & Installation ceremony on November 22, 1999. The guest speaker was Dr. Otis Johnson, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and a great supporter of

JGG. The 1999 Miss Beach Pageant was held December 9, 1999. Four outstanding JGG members participated. They were Kristen Whetsell, Anetria Jones, Syreeta Wright, and Keishondra Campbell.
Several members of the Career Association, during their Christmas break, volunteered at The Magdalene Project, a homeless shelter for battered women and children. The students wrapped gifts and assisted the staff in other Christmas activities.
BHS JGG Chapter is recognizing two former JGG students, Qimmah Sabree and Tiffany Cobb. Both are 1999 Graduates of Beach High. Qimmah was featured in the November 15, 1999 edition of the Savannah Morning edition, because of her determination to be independent despite the stipulations within the foster care system. Tiffany received a four year academic scholarship to attend Mercer University, Macon, Georgia, and is currently an Honor student and an IN ROADS participant.
CALHOUN HIGH SCHOOL
In November, the Calhoun High School JGG members served Thanksgiving Dinner to senior citizens. They visited with the adults, served their plates and delivered drinks to the tables. It was a great experience for the students to make the senior citizens feel appreciated. Even though everyone was tired after they cleaned up, it was well worth it.
In December, the JGG students participated in the annual Can-A-Thon and students had the opportunity to bring food, sing at the event, and help in various ways. In addition, the JGG members assisted a needy family with purchasing Christmas presents. It was as much fun for us as for the recipients.
We are now working to complete competency training so that the participants are ready for the world of work upon graduation.

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PAULDING COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
The Paulding County JGG class of 2000 conducted two new events that were very successful. They were Adopt a Family for Thanksgiving and Club Clean-up Day. Students served as role models to fifth grade students in the D.A.R.E. Program and helped underpriviledged children for Christmas. Two officers attended the National Leadership Conference in Washington, DC and shared their experiences with other members of our JGG class.
SOL C. JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL
Sol C. Johnson held its Initiation and Installation ceremony on November 23, 1999 in its school drama theater. The guest speaker was Ms. Altha Manning, Executive Director of Youth Futures. The theme for the ceremony was: Preparing Yourself for the 21st Century. The officers were installed by Dr. Delma Pollen, Assistant Principal. The members were initiated by Ms. Deonne Stone, History Teacher and Advisory Council member.
Sol C. Johnson had four representatives from the school participating in the 3rd Annual National Student Leadership Workshop held in Washington, DC from December 8-12, 1999. Our representatives were: Dionnie Murray, Moya Bullock, Monica Mathis, and Tiana Speight.
Some of the upcoming events planned for the year 2000 are: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade, a voters registration drive, and participation in this years Special Olympics.

SOUTH ATLANTA HIGH SCHOOL
South Atlanta High School JGG members donated can goods for Thanksgiving baskets for needy families. The spirit of giving continued into December with members donating toys for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Drive.
On December 9, 1999, six members attended the Georgia Department of Labor Workforce Development Conference. Chapter President Matthew Hall and Coordinator for Career Preparation Shemika McGhee both represented the chapter at the conference. They had an opportunity to share why they joined the Jobs for Georgia Graduates program with numerous persons who visited the JGG Booth. They also received a treat when both Governor Roy Barnes and Commissioner Michael L. Thurmond stopped by. The day also felt like a reunion of sorts when Bukeka Garrett (Class of 1997), Jarvis Glanton (Class of 1998), Tieah Hinesman and Stacy Lary (Class of 1999) took time out of their busy schedules to attend the conference and to share how JGG has made a difference in their lives. The day provided an opportunity to learn more about the goals of the Department of Labor and what the workforce of the 21st century will be like for employers and employees.
On January 14, 2000, seventeen JGG members used a day out of school to attend the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration at the Georgia State Capitol. After touring the Capitol, members enjoyed lunch at Underground Atlanta.
At present, members are engaged in employability skills training classes and using their career association to prepare for our Annual State Career Conference.

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NEWNAN HIGH SCHOOL
Newnan High School Jobs for Georgia Graduates participated in the 1999 Initiation and Installation ceremony December 8, 1999. The following JGG members were inducted as officers: Shanira Johnson, President; April Lee, Chapter Secretary; Sarina Altman, Civic Affairs Coordinator; Tolla Thomason, Social Activities Coordinator; Craig Sherrer, Leadership Development Coordinator; Shawn Mullens, Career Awareness Coordinator.
Keynote speaker for the Ceremony was Joe Larche, Assistant to the Commissioner. The Newnan Times-Herald and local cable television station covered this event.
Newnan High School participated in the Toys-for-Tots program at Christmas. JGG members donated new unwrapped toys to be distributed to families in need during the holiday season.
January 20, 2000, JGG members will be participating in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service, Georgia District in the Income Tax Day 2000, Its EZ Project. JGG members will be trained by the IRS to instruct and assist students at Newnan High School on how to complete 1040 EZ and Georgia 500EZ income tax forms. This service will provide free electronic filing and income tax preparation assistance to all working high school students.
NORTH SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL
During the Holiday season, the North Springs Chapter of JGG filled 25 shoeboxes with essential items, including deodorant, toothpaste, and socks, to send to refugees in Austria.
Twelve members of the North Springs High School Career Association visited Arden

Courts, an Alzheimers Disease home. The students learned about the disease, talked with the seniors, walked with them, and ate popcorn.
The North Springs High School Career Association joined 15 local chuches in feeding 15,000 families in the Metro-Atlanta area, in association with the Super Bowl. On January 22, 2000, all 45 members of the North Springs High School Career Association met at Turner Field in downtown Atlanta. The students stuffed grocery bags, assisted famous athletes in their various sports camps, and assisted doctors and other certified technicians in providing free dental and medical care to the thousands who attended.
OGLETHORPE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Oglethorpe County High School is excited to begin its first year with the Jobs for Georgia Graduates program. The activities started with the election of officers at the first CA meeting to be held at OCHS. The 19992000 officers are: Sharee Stone, President; Cheronne Dalton, Coordinator of Leadership Development; Chantel Hooker, Secretary; Alicia Cade, Coordinator for Social Affairs; Stacey Sigman, Coordinator for Career Preparation; and Keith Wolfe, Coordinator for Civic Affairs. The Intiation and Installation ceremony was held on November 23, 1999, and the chapter ended 1999 by adopting a family for Christmas.
DID YOU KNOW . . .
l Jobs for Americas Graduates (JAG) has 11 Governors sitting on its Board of Directors. Ohio is the largest JAG affiliate with 340 schools.

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CLARKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
The Clarke Central High School JGG members assisted in sending Christmas toys to children in North Carolina where the flooding this fall devastated their homes. The Clarke Central Chapter became concerned about these children after reading the paper and hearing the news that they lost their homes and belongings. By cooperating with a local church, the JGG members were able to send new toys to these children.
The JGG members also participated in a community service project in collaboration with the Salvation Army. They adopted three families and collected clothing for them. Through collecting money from teachers and students, they were able to buy clothes to assure that each family member had new clothing.
The next community service project is scheduled for a local day care center.
CREEKSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
The Creekside High School Jobs for Georgia Graduates (JGG) class of 2000 is preparing for its STATE CAREER ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE on March 16, 2000, at the Macon Convention Center. The forty-five seniors that have been selected to become members of the program, and 12 invited guests will attend this conference. The conference will give students the opportunity to win trophies and prizes by displaying their Public Speaking, Interviewing, Essay Writing, and DecisionMaking Skills.
Latasha Pruitt and Tamara Glenn represented Creekside High at the 3rd Annual National Student Leadership Conference in the Capital City of Washington DC. They had the opportunity to meet several Governors, Heather French (1999 Miss

America), Alexis Herman (Secretary of Labor), and many other dignitaries that attended the conference.
Also, during the month of February, the Creekside JGG alumni and the class of 2000 worked together to plan many activities centered on Black History.
CROSS CREEK HIGH SCHOOL
The Cross Creek High School JGG Career Association is off to a good start this year. The CCHS JGG Career Association held its first meeting on November 16, 1999. The 19992000 Career Association Officers were elected at that time.
Anntaleshia Halls, President; Omar Rouse, Coordinator of Leadership Development; Senovia Collins, Coordinator of Social Affairs; Twanda Davis, Coordinator of Community Affairs; Eboni Brunson, Secretary; Gardenia Ellison, Coordinator of Career Preparation.
The Initiation and Installation Ceremony was held on December 14, 1999 with the Honorable Bob Young, Mayor of Augusta as guest speaker.
Community Service activity for the month of December 1999 was held at the Golden Harvest Food Bank in Augusta, Georgia. Students were involved in stacking can goods in boxes to be shipped out to various organizations to help feed the homeless during the holiday season.
DAWSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
The Dawsonville County High School JGG Chapter held its Initiation and Installation ceremony on November 23, 1999. The guest speaker was Ann Shirra from the Georgia

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Department of Labor. School Superintendent Mr. Herbert Burnsed and school principal Mr. Phil Moore were in attendance. Christina Smith and Michael Dorsey provided entertainment.
Refreshments for our Career Association were provided by Ingles and Dawsonville Pool Room.
Community service activities included an October Red Cross Blood Drive. JGG members participating included: Beth Dixon, Cody Hensley, Tosha Sheriff, Eric Hardin, Ken Burt, Chris Gilreath, Amanda Polman, Lynn McDaniel, Anna Perry, Camille Pierce, and Cody Harper.
The Chestatee Banks Junior Board of Directors has JGG members. They are Beth Dixon, Lindsey Burt, and Jon Mabrey.
Congratulations to Anna Perry, Barbara Nordyke, and Ken Burt who represented JGG by being JGGs Student of the Month.
DOUGHERTY COMPREHENSIVE
HIGH SCHOOL
The Dougherty Comprehensive Chapter of Jobs for Georgia Graduates Program has been busy participating in several community service projects with the local industry and charities in the city. They have taken active parts in the school pageants, plays, homecoming courts, and sports.
They particiapted in The You Make the Difference by giving each faculty and staff member a card that read You Make the Difference.
The month of November brought a lot of practice for several young ladies in the program, Joy Carpenter, Cassandra Hill, Miesha Atkins, Natalie Pittmon, and Shavokia Davis-Bryant. Each young lady graced the stage with much talent and beauty in the MISS DCHS Pageant. Shameka Reed was crowned as MISS HOMECOMING for the year 1999-2000.

Congratulations goes out to Barbara Arterson, Benjamin Harris, Pamlay Cato, Tara Green, Phillip Jones, and Sekeitha Clay for their attendance at the Jobs for Americas Graduates National Student Leadership Conference in Washington DC.
The experience gave each participant the opportunity to meet several governors and officials, visit the capitol, participate in leadership workshops, meet particiapnts from other state chapters (ie Arizona, Ohio, Florida, etc.).
The spirit of giving came when gifts were presented to South Albany Family Emergency Center. The centers director and staff has worked closely with JGG; they presented travel bags to each DCHS member that attended the NSLC in Washington. JGG participants acted as elves at Proctor & Gamble in a community service project. The students passed out toys and sang carols. In December, they helped the senior citizens shop at Target Stores. They sang carols and also wrapped gifts.
THE POWER OF THE FUTURE IS THROUGH THE SUCCESS OF TODAY.
H.V. JENKINS HIGH SCHOOL
Congratulations to the H.V. Jenkins members who attended the National Student Leadership Conference in Washington, DC from December 9-11. Attendees were LaFreida Tyson, CA President; John Anderson, Career Preparation Coordinator; Keith Louper, Civic Affairs Coordinator; Aleathia Thomas, Social Affairs Coordinator; and Zackery Bradley, member. Congratulations to Aleathia Thomas who was a member of the group that won first place for Creative Problem Solving at one of the many workshop sessions. Aleathia and other group members received a first place personal medallion and a plaque.

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JORDAN VOCATIONAL
HIGH SCHOOL
The class of 2000 Jordan Vocational High School JGG members elected Career Association officers. They are: President LaShica Thomas, Vice President Fonda Suggs, Secretary Faneshia Peterson, Treasurer Shiree Jones, Reporter Antoinette Whatley, Social Coordinator James Cabarras, Career Coordinator Darrell Wilson, and Civic Coordinator Sonoyia Renfro. These young adults are raring to get started with this year as their best year to come.
They coordinated their first community service project raising funds for the Juvenille Diabetes Foundation. The Initiation and Installation ceremony was held on October 25, 1999. The guest speaker was Mr. Michael W. Johnson, Sr., Vice President for Education and Workforce Development with Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
The Jordan Career Association Chapter completed two more community service projects: Voters Registration Drive and clothing for Tots. The class of 1999 went out with a bang. Several members were awarded national honors. These honors included being inducted into the National Vocational Technical Honor Society: Ashley Walker, LaQuinta James, Lekeisha Powell and ShaQwida Walker.
The National Honor Society: Steffani and Tiffani Banks.
Several members received acceptance into the Inroads Internship Program: Jeri Dowdell, Ashley Walker, Kim Henderson, Ligaya Jacobs and Jasmin Francis.
Scholarship awardees: Ligaya Jacobs Full scholarship from ASU, Delta Sorority Book Scholarship $750, Clark Atlanta tuition scholarship $10,000, accepted at Morris Brown and Ft. Valley. Received a Presidents Award from Ft. Valley State University.
Ashley Walker - Alpha Kappa Alpha Omega Psi Phi - $1,000. Accepted at Columbus State University and GA Southwestern.

Jasmin Francis - American General Life Character - $500. Accepted at University of Florida and Clark-Atlanta University. Attending University of Florida.
ShaQwida Walker - Full basketball scholarship Lurleen B. Wallace Junior College, Anadulsia, AL.
Danielle Walker - Full basketball scholarship Lurleen B. Wallace Junior College, Anadulsia, AL.
Steffani Banks Greater Columbus, GA Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Scholarship.
Lekeisha Powell Womens Missionary Society Book Scholarship - $500.
College attendees: Ligaya Jacobs Ft. Valley State University; Jasmin Francis University of Florida; Jeri Dowdell Albany State University; Inthia Hale Albany State University.
Academic/Business Awards Ligaya Jacobs Cumulative GPA of 3.90 or above. Ligaya has been elected as fresman president at Ft. Valley State University.
LiQuita LaGrand will be entering the Navy on March 4, 2000. Presently shes working in the recruiters office assisting with recruiting. Francine Shalishali started her freshman year at Chattahootchee Valley Community College. Other graduates are attending post-secondary institutions: Demetria McGruder, Laquinta James, LaSandra Gordon, Steffani and Tiffani Banks are attending Columbus Technical Institute.
HATS OFF TO ALL!
MARIETTA HIGH SCHOOL
MHS was very proud to have a successful inaugural Initiation and Installation ceremony on December 16. Our Superintendent attended as well as some Board of Education members. We began classes in January and are preparing for our first annual regional and state competitions. Some up coming activities include groundhog shadow day and volunteering at Feed My Lambs Day Care Center.