Swansea High students took 1st place in statewide competition in the 14th annual Jobs for America’s Graduates Career Development Conference.

This statewide competition gives students an opportunity to flex their presentation skills by “pitching” their public service efforts throughout the year.

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to helping disadvantaged students stay in school and pursue educational opportunities and jobs leading to careers.

The JAG program helps them achieve their fullest potential by focusing on academic success and career readiness skills.

Lexington County JAG Director Tammy Jones told more than 500 students from 22 schools attending the conference “never settle for good enough, but instead you should strive for success.”

The theme of the 2019 conference was “The JAG Advantage,” where students, presented speeches, writings, artwork, and the talents and skills they have learned in the Swansea High School JAG- program.

South Carolina’s program has been awarded the “5 of 5” Award for 8 consecutive years for high school graduation, positive outcomes, and job placement.

Swansea High’s team achieved the “Ambassador” level in scoring, sending them directly to national competition.

Arelly Silverio placed 1st in Theme Poetry and 2nd in Public Speaking. Silverio also received 3rd place in the Theme Poster Event.

Efren Jujica received an honorable mention.

The Career Association Chapter, at Swansea took 2nd place in the manual of the year judging, which is a visual record of the school’s local JAG activities.

Erica Sommer was a recipient of the 2019 Executive Director’s Award, which recognizes students who demonstrate significant growth through the Jobs for America’s Graduates program.

Erica Cheeks and Crystal Richardson from Harvest Hope Food Bank was awarded The JAG Golden Key Award for their work with a 7-year-old pilot program school based food pantry so students in need could meet nutritional needs over the weekends.