Local JMG Students Receive Statewide Recognition at Career Conference

May 16, 2024

Students from Cadillac, Harbor Springs, and Traverse City received special recognition at the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) Career Development Conference April 26 in Lansing. Sawyer Keene from Cadillac High School was selected as one of two JMG Youth of the Year out of the 4,500 youth enrolled in JMG statewide. Anna Londak from Cadillac Innovation High School was recognized as an Exemplary Youth of the Year for northwest Lower Michigan. Carson Haskin from the North Ed Career Tech Center in Traverse City was honored with the Excellence in Youth Leadership award. Cadillac High School’s Kelly Burch was recognized for her statewide leadership role in the JMG Youth Advisory Council. She also earned 2nd place statewide in the Interview Skills contest at the conference. Chloe Stahl from Crooked Tree High School in Harbor Springs won 3rd place in the Interviewing Skills Competition. 

JMG students from three schools in Cadillac, Casman Academy in Manistee, six schools in the Char-Em ISD, the North Ed Career Tech Center in Traverse City, and the Wexford-Missaukee Career Tech Center attended the conference and competed in leadership events.

The JMG Career Development Conference is an annual event where youth have the opportunity to showcase the skills they have learned throughout the year in the Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) program. The event highlights workplace skills and knowledge, such as creative problem solving, interview skills, and career preparation. Career-based competitions provide students real-world practice for future employment opportunities while volunteer judges evaluate and offer feedback to our future leaders. The conference includes inspirational speeches and student recognition that allow the young people to envision and aspire towards their future careers.

Northwest Michigan Works! is proud to partner with Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) in serving the region’s youth. JMG is the leading program of Youth Solutions, Inc., a premier youth opportunity organization on a mission to equip young people with the skills to overcome barriers and win in education, employment, and in life. The JMG program consists of a comprehensive set of services designed to help young people achieve education and career goals. The purpose of this program is to inspire and connect youth to achieve a future beyond imagination. Northwest Michigan Works! coordinates JMG programs at nearly 20 schools in northwest Lower Michigan.

Sawyer Keene from Cadillac High School (center) received the JMG Youth of the Year Award. He's joined in the photo by JMG Youth Specialist, Laura Quist (left) and former JMG Youth Specialist, Cheryl Miller, (right).	Anna Londak from Cadillac Innovation High School was recognized as a JMG Exemplary Youth of the Year for northwest Lower Michigan.
Carson Haskin from the North Ed Career Tech Center in Traverse City was honored with the JMG Excellence in Youth Leadership award.	Cadillac High School’s Kelly Burch was recognized for her statewide leadership role in the JMG Youth Advisory Council. She also earned 2nd place statewide in the Interview Skills contest.