PIERRE, S.D. – Five students enrolled in South Dakota’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG-SD) program have been selected to represent their peers at the JAG National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C., Nov. 30–Dec. 2.

“These students have worked hard to earn this opportunity,” said JAG-SD State Director Beth Schneider. “It’s a wonderful chance for them to develop their leadership skills and visit with distinguished leaders in our nation’s capital. They are outstanding advocates for their communities and the issues that matter to them.”

JAG-SD will be represented by the following student-leaders:

• Melina Shields, Lyman High School, Presho
• Tegyn Kolb, Bennett County High School, Martin
• Brody Stenger, Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls
• Sophia Langenbau, Lyman High School, Presho
• Charles Kocer, Wagner High School, Wagner

The JAG National Student Leadership Academy is a capstone leadership experience for state officers and select chapter officers. While in Washington, D.C., the students will receive leadership training, visit with members of Congress, participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and enjoy a twilight monument tour, among other activities.

JAG is a leadership development and career exploration program for middle and high school students.  The program aims to increase graduation rates among at-risk students, prepare them for success in the career of their choice, and help them to be leaders in their communities as adults. More than 300 South Dakota students participate in the program.

To learn more about JAG-SD, visit https://doe.sd.gov/JAG-SD. 

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