Program teaches about careers

By Staff
Nathan Strickland
THARPTOWN- Russellville Fire Chief Joe Mansell and firefighter Jeremy Miller were on hand at Tharptown High School to explain to students what it means to choose firefighting as a career path.
THS offers a career guidance course called Jobs for Alabama’s graduates, or JAG, which gives students an idea of what different careers have to offer when they graduate from high school.
Mansell said this is the first time in 18 years that he has ever gotten to talk to older students about what it means to have the profession.
THS JAG specialist and elementary P.E. teacher Kelli Gilbert said 38 students are currently involved in the program and believes it will help each of them better grasp what they want to do after high school for a career.
Gilbert said this is her second year to be involved with the program and feels that it has tremendously benefited those who have taken the class.
The JAG program gives students a chance to listen to professionals, learn about the challenges they will face after high school and it teaches them “the more education the better.”
THS students involved in the program have competed in competitions, performed community services and are currently trying to establish a JAG yearbook.
THS sophomore Brittany Cheatham said the program has helped her in a number of ways and feels the class is a great asset to the school.
The program is currently being used by THS, Phil Campbell High School and Red Bay High School. Gilbert believes the program is a stepping-stone that can help high school students be more aware of the different careers that are available.