Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) came to Stanley-Boyd High School for a spotlight event Friday, Dec. 12 in the high school library. Run by Forward Service Corps, JAG is a program for students in grades 9 to 12 that is committed to meeting students where they are, equipping them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in life, education, and career while making meaningful contributions to the community.
The event held to better shine a light on member activities and accomplishments as well as how to join was attended by area school, program, and state officials, including Representative Karen Hurd and State Senator Jesse James. Three JAG alumni who had gone on to become JAG Specialists were present as well, including Andrew Larson with Forward Service Corporation, Omar Parks with Altoona High School, and Grace Glor with Chippewa Falls High School.
With Stanley-Boyd one of 14 JAG chapters in the state, the Spotlight got underway at 11 a.m. in the high school library, led by Sarah Dahlstrom.
“Thank you for coming today,” she said. “My name is Sarah Dahlstrom. I’m the director for youth education programs at Forward Service Corporation. We are so excited to gather together to celebrate the incredible work happening across the JAG program and the outstanding JAG students achievements. None of this would be possible without your investment in the Jobs for America’s Graduates program. We are extremely grateful.” Dahlstrom then listed where JAG was active across Wisconsin, including at Alexander Hamilton High School, Altoona High School, Appleton East High School, Beloit Memorial High School, Chippewa Valley High School, Enrich, Excel, Achieve Learning Academy, McDowell Montessori, Mauston High School, McKinley Charter School, Prairie Phoenix Academy, South Division High School, Stanley-Boyd High School, Tomah High School, and Wisconsin Dells High School.
“Together, these programs serve 480 students and an additional 407 students in a followup service visit as they continue their pathways to adulthood. Our students are working hard both in and out of classroom, and their impact is felt across our communities through community service, and community engagement.”
With several JAG students on hand and a 95 percent graduation rate among JAG program participants, Dahlstrom was followed by Stanley-Boyd High School Principal Nate Steinmetz, who gave additional welcoming remarks to those in attendance.
“Good morning,” he said. “Thank you for having me. I’m Mr. Steinmetz, the high school principal here at Stanley-Boyd High School...Thank you for being here to celebrate these students and the JAG Program. It is an incredible community that we have here at Stanley-Boyd High School.” Steinmetz said the Stanley-Boyd motto was for students to learn at a high level while becoming college and career ready
“In practice that means that every student graduates here with a realistic plan for what’s to come next. For some, that plan may be a four year school, a technical college, an apprenticeship. For others, it may be serving in the military or stepping directly into the work force. And because life can take unexpected turns, we want every student to walk across the stage and have the confidence and ability to adapt. To support that, we provide a wide range of opportunities, including AP, college level courses, youth apprenticeships, CVTC academies, online learning for extra support and enrichment, a strong CTE program, and up to date technology and clubs and organizations. Even with all of these, we know there’s always room to grow. One area we’ve always wanted to strengthen is the teaching of our soft skills such as communication, teamwork, responsibility, and problem solving. These skills are essential not just for school, but for life. And they’re not always easy to find in the traditional schedule. That’s where JAG makes a tremendous difference in helping our students. JAG fills the gap, by giving students meaningful, structured opportunities to build lifelong career skills that truly prepare them for the future. It aligns perfectly with our mission, and it has already become an essential part of many student’s experiences here at Stanley-Boyd.”
From there it was on to JAG program participants, who shared their stories of the program. Sharing their experiences with those assembled were Isaiah Kini and Brayden Greene of Chippewa Falls Alternative High School, Mariah Strasser of McKinley Charter School, Aleigha Jones and Reminisce Hohman of Altoona High School, and Cassidy Kodl, Caroline Johnson, Leahonna Kettle, Piper Gilles, and Taylor Wilbur of Stanley-Boyd.
Kini shared how JAG had helped him in navigating career choices after school.
“Hello and thank you for coming to our Spotlight event today,” he said. “My name is Isaiah Kini and I am a senior at Chippewa Valley High School, the alternative school in Chippewa Falls. I joined JAG last year shortly after students came back from the national conference in Indianapolis. I was very interested in any program that could offer me the chance to travel across the country to states I’ve never visited before. I’ve never had the opportunity to participate in a high school trip like this and I had to figure out a way to participate in that opportunity. I look forward to possibly attending this year’s event in Salt Lake City. As a member of JAG I was also able to take advantage of career exploration opportunities, like CVTC’s Career Exploration Day, which have shown me the options that are available in our local community college.” JAG had provided Kini with opportunities to explore different fields through activities and field trips, including CPR training the previous June.
“Since that time I have gone on a second CVTC tour and been swayed towards business management as I become more interested in entrepreneurship,” he said. “I feel better prepared for my future because of the time I have spent with JAG and my career specialist. I feel confident for my first year after graduation knowing I have support for if times get tough. Thank you for supporting JAG so students can continue to have access to that support and career preparation. Thanks again for coming today and for investing in JAG Wisconsin.”
Kini was followed by Greene, Strasser, Jones, and Hohman, each of whom shared a common theme. JAG was a transformational program that helped students improve their future and seek new goals.
First to share their experience for Stanley-Boyd was Cassidy Kodl.
“Good morning, my name is Cassidy Kodl and I’m a seventeen year old senior here at Stanley-Boyd High School,” she said. “This is my fourth year in the JAG program and third year serving as an officer in the JAG career association, this year as the Stanley-Boyd High School president.” Kodl went on to share how JAG had impacted her life, helping face a variety of challenges.
“In just four years, JAG has provided many opportunities, connections, and personal growth that has shaped my future,” she said. JAG had connected her with a support network of fellow students and teachers and pushed her to succeed. “One of the most valuable aspects of JAG is the emphasis on career readiness, leadership development, and employability skills training. These experience have provided the tools and training necessary for me to step into leadership roles with confidence, which I experience the fruits of even now in the classroom serving as an officer, at my jobs, or taking initiative in projects that require teamwork and adaptability. Thanks to JAG, I have been given the foundation to excel. Beyond skill building, JAG has provided a sense of belonging and purpose. I am now flourishing in multiple aspects of my life, both inside and outside of school with a stronger vision for my future than I have ever had. JAG is more than just a program. It is truly a family that continuously uplifts and supports each other. The experiences and opportunities that I have gained have expanded my personal and professional aspirations and have given me a clear pathway towards success. I am incredibly grateful for all JAG has done for me, and for all the others in this program and I look forward to continuing to grow within this. Thank you all for being here today and for continuously supporting this incredible program.”
Next to speak was Caroline Johnson, JAG State President and a senior at Stanley-Boyd High School.
“Hi there, my name is Caroline Johnson and I am thrilled to be speaking to you here today as the JAG State President for the 2025-26 year,” she said. “I am a senior here at Stanley-Boyd and have been involved in JAG for four years. Today I want to share my journey with JAG and the incredible impact, especially my development as a leader.
“To start I want to take you back to when I started high school as a freshman. I was shy, I didn’t have confidence, and didn’t take opportunities that I knew I would have loved because I was scared.”
Struggling with managing life stress and other challenges, Johnson said she hadn’t been goal oriented.
“The only goal I ever had was to make it to Friday,” she said. “Then came a turning point. I joined JAG. This wasn’t just another extracurricular activity. It became a supportive community that’s helped me find my voice. I quickly learned that JAG is about empowering each of us to achieve our own potential. With the guidance of my fantastic JAG specialist, I began participating in various projects that required teamwork and communication. Each task was a stepping stone to building my confidence and leadership skills.” Over time, Johnson learned the different aspects of leadership, including listening actively and encouraging teammates.
“These are invaluable skills that JAG nurtures in all of us,” she said. Johnson applied for the state JAG President in her junior year of high school, following encouragement by others. JAG gave teaches students opportunities to attend events and also navigate life with confidence.
“I now intend to attend UW-LaCrosse for elementary education,” she said. “A career that I was once too hesitant to pursue but with the encouragement and enthusiasm of my JAG community around me, I’ve been pushed to reach for goals I never thought possible. To current JAG members, I want to encourage you to embrace everything JAG has to offer, every meeting, every project as a chance to interact and grow and learn something. Take initiative, ask questions, and support your peers. Remember that this journey isn’t just about finding your own path but helping others find theirs too. And to all JAG supporters and affiliates, I want thank you for being here. By hearing our stories and our testimonies to JAG, I hope you realize just how much your continued support does impact our future, not just as individuals or communities, but society as a whole. Thank you.”
Next to speak for Stanley-Boyd was Leahonna Kettle.
“Good morning,” she said. “My name is Leahonna Kettle a junior at Stanley-Boyd High School and a proud member of the JAG program. I want to start by thanking you all for attending our JAG Spotlight event and being able to support us at this moment. This program has played a vital role at shaping us gradually over time. Before joining JAG I faced considerable challenges both personally and academically. I was constantly in trouble, being written up by teachers, and sent to the office. I felt stuck, frustrated, and like I couldn’t catch a break. Building meaningful relationships was difficult and I felt isolated and unsure about my future. But halfway through my sophomore year I heard about JAG and the support it offered. I took a chance and it changed everything. Through this program I found a supportive community and a sense of belonging. I began to believe in myself and trust myself in difficult situations. It helped me develop a positive mindset, take responsibility and set goals. With the encouragement and guidance of the incredible people in the JAG program I stepped out of my comfort zone and even took on leadership roles. One of my proudest moments is being elected junior class officer of the JAG career association, something I never imagined for myself because of my poor academic record. JAG didn’t just help me grow personally and academically. It transformed my mindset and has helped my grow into the person I am today.” JAG had allowed growth and had changed her life.
“This program has truly changed my life by allowing me to work efficiently, fluently, and I am grateful for that and this opportunity. Thank you for attending this event and for advocating for this essential program. Thank you.”
Following Kettle at the podium was Piper Gilles.
“Good morning everyone,” she said. “My name is Piper Gilles and I am a 16 year old junior at Stanley-Boyd High School and an enthusiastic member of the JAG program.” First brought to her attention during freshman year when former JAG Advisor Jessica Gumness came to talk about it, Gilles said she had no idea how JAG would impact her life.
“At the time I had no idea how much this program would impact my life or that I would be standing here today talking to you. From the moment I stepped into the JAG classroom I knew it was different. It felt like a place I actually wanted to be. Before JAG I wasn’t involved in anything and I had no real connection to my community. But JAG changed that. It gave me a sense of belonging. JAG is a family that believes in your hopes and dreams and stands by you.” With things like career assessments and job skills, Gilles had learned her unique skills and what matched them, as well as understanding future career path.
“Because of JAG I now have confidence, see opportunities, and have real hope for my future,” she said. “Thank you all for attending today. it really means a lot.”
Closing out the testimonials from Stanley-Boyd students was Taylor Wilbur.
“Good morning everyone,” she said. “My name is Taylor Wilbur. I am 15 years old and sophomore at Stanley-Boyd and a member of the JAG program. I’m excited to share how JAG has made a real difference in my life.
I was first introduced to JAG at my eighth grade orientation when my JAG Career Specialist, Ms. Gumness, began talking about what JAG was all about. I remember saying that JAG would help me figure out the career I was best suited for and the path to getting there. At the time I didn’t really understand what that meant but was curious to find out. Fast forward to my freshman year. We attended a college fair field trip, and that experience changed everything for me. I talked to representatives from many different colleges, read what they offered, and narrowed down the college I want to attend some day. I felt like I finally had real direction. That direction became clear as my career specialist led our class through a dream board, career assessment, and job analysis. Through that process I discovered a passion for vet science. Now I know I want to become a vet and eventually own my own business.” JAG had also helped connect Wilbur to funding for driver’s education, something that would have been difficult on her own. Getting her driver’s license was an important step towards independence and getting to work, the JAG program also helping in developing confidence and other skills.
“I am now in my second year of JAG, and I can confidently say it has opened doors to amazing opportunities,” she said. “I would like to thank you for supporting JAG students like me to continue to have access to this vital education and career preparation.”
Following student testimonials JAG State President Caroline Johnson returned to the podium, where she awarded Representative Karen Hurd and State Senator Jesse James with the JAG High Performer Award for their advocacy on behalf of the organization.
Hurd said the reason she and James were passionate about advocacy is that they often saw things on the other end with at risk youth as they ended with court and elsewhere, leading the state legislators to look for ways to provide support earlier on and prevent bad outcomes.
“Is there anything we can do besides the money element?” James asked of advocacy at the state level advocacy.
“Keep spreading the word,” former JAG Advisor Jessica Gumness said, with comment from others as well.
Stanley-Boyd JAG Advisor Tyler Ewer gave a summary of what JAG stands for.
“At its core, JAG is built on a core belief belief: every student has value,” he said.
Those interested in JAG at Stanley-Boyd can talk with a student JAG member or Ewer, while Wisconsin schools and faculty interested in starting a JAG chapter at their school should contact Sarah Dahlstrom at sdahlstrom@fsc-corp.org.