The 14th Jobs for Ohio Graduates (JOG) Ceremonies were held at the First Church of the Nazarene August 11, 2015. During the evening, 48 students entered the room in cap and gown ready for the next chapter of their lives.
Alumnus Dan Douglas, Class of 2014 GOAL Digital Academy and JOG, spoke to the graduates on how he was able to conquer depression and his fears by attending the JOG Lab where encouragement and motivation helped him move forward in receiving his high school diploma. Dan also stated he was overcoming his health issues and moving forward in his life choices.
Another JOG Alumnus, Oliver Manley class of 2009, spoke on how JOG never gave up on him. Even after several unsuccessful attempts at JOG classes, plus jail time and drug addiction, the light came on and he made the call to JOG, wanting to try once again. He did succeed and completed the needed credits to be successful in completing all coursework required for graduation. Oliver also stated life still had its ups and downs but he was able to push ahead both in his family life and his career choices.
The key note speaker of the evening was James Peterson, Superintendent of River Valley Schools. Jim gave a presentation that inspired students and families to never give up. This theme was tied directly to the alumni speeches in one of the quotes used: “If you can’t fly…run. If you can’t run…walk. If you can’t walk…crawl. Just keep moving forward.”
The 48 students then were presented with certificates of credit completion, diplomas, and/or recognition as a representative to the National Student Leadership Academy held in Washington DC.
“For some of our student’s it was a second chance,” said Karlotta Collins of JOG. “They had dropped out of high school or lacked credits needed to graduate. What they discovered… military, industries or even fast-food places would not hire them without a high school diploma.”
“August 11th, 2015 was truly a day to celebrate; with that piece of paper their future will be a little brighter,” said Collins.
“Jobs are hard to get even with a high school diploma,” said Keith Willis of JOG. “There’s almost nothing out there for someone who didn’t finish high school.”
Program students, ages 16 to 22, have either dropped out of high school, missed too many school days or lacked credits. In addition to completing academic requirements, students work closely with a job specialist to prepare them for success in employment or post-secondary opportunities after graduation. The Marion County Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates is located at 194 W. Center St. Marion, Ohio.
The Marion County Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates works closely with GOAL Digital Academy (housed in the same office). GOAL Digital Academy, in addition to standard curriculum, offers credit flexibility, drop-out prevention, and credit recovery programs to its high school students who don’t always succeed within the brick and mortar setting. GOAL provides educational opportunities for students up to 21 years of age, and up to 23 years of age for students with an Individual Education Plan. An adaptive curriculum, in an actual onsite classroom, is available for qualifying high school students.
GOAL also has mutual services with many high schools, career centers, and JOG programs in Ohio.
Contact the Marion County Jobs for Ohio Graduates or GOAL Digital Academy at 740-387-3733 with questions you may have or if you want to enroll to receive your diploma.
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