iJAG Newsletter September/October 2023

Heather McCallum, iJAG Edu. Specialist, Cardinal High School · posted October 17, 2023

Cardinal High School iJAG has started off the school year on a wonderful note. We currently have 41 students enrolled in the first semester. We started off the year with getting to know you/yourself activities. This was a great way for the students to get to know each other and learn some things that they might not have known before. It was also a way for the students to get to know themselves a little better and help them to start exploring their after high school plans. The first class project, the students had to create an Album cover based off of their wants, needs and desires for their future. They had to use pictures and display them in a creative way to share their “story” and plans for their out of High School.  These were displayed in the classroom.

The students then began their campaigns for the iJAG Career Association officers. Each student had the opportunity to run for a Career Association office and those who chose not to run for an office, had to run for a committee in the Career Association. They each had to create a CA Campaign poster that had to include their name, CA office they are running for, slogan, and 1 visual aid. These were displayed in the classroom. The students then had to create a campaign video that had to also include why they were qualified for the position for which they were running for. After the campaigning was completed, the students got to vote in their officers and committee members.

Please welcome the 2023-2024 Cardinal iJAG Career Association officer’s

President: Landon Gordy (12th grade)
VP Leadership Development: Alex Heckethorn (12th grade)
VP Career Development: Colin Ratterree (11th grade)
VP of Social Awareness:  Cody Birlson (11th grade)
VP of Civic Awareness: Mazy Lean (12th grade)
VP of Community Service: Nevaeh Irvine (11th grade)
Social Media Coordinator: Ava Heemsbergen (12th grade)
Secretary: Jasmyne Sauceda (12th grade)
Treasurer: Lily Ehret (12th grade)

After our CA elections at the end of September,  we were able to welcome our first guest speakers, Andy Noe and Andy Brainard, both from Winger Mechanical based out of Ottumwa. Both shared some wonderful information about their time at Cardinal High School, their childhood adversities and what led them to their current career paths. They shared very helpful information about the different paid apprenticeship opportunities at Winger as well as the job opportunities there. The students were very respectful and welcoming and asked excellent questions!

On October 6, the iJAG students had the opportunity to attend the 3rd Annual Manufacturing Day at William Penn University in Oskaloosa. This was an all day event where the students were able to tour the different technology and manufacturing programs and speak with the professors. They also had the opportunity to tour 2 different businesses in Oskaloosa that work closely with William Penn and hire a good amount of students after graduation. Half of the students were bussed over to Church and Dwight Plant in Oskaloosa, while the other half toured Kelderman Manufacturing also in Oskaloosa.  

Next, we will be starting our fundraising so that the students can use the funds to purchase items for our classroom. The biggest need is healthy snacks and drinks to keep on hand. The students have voted to sell prepackaged ice cream during High School Lunch and t-shirt, tumbler, coaster sales with the assistance of a local printing company.

There is much more to come in the coming school year and I cannot wait to see where the opportunities take my students in the future. Until then, please enjoy September and October's Student spotlight.  

Student Spotlights

These 2 students have gone above and beyond in iJAG so far this year and are a joy to have in class.

September 2023: Alex Heckethorn

My goals for after high school are to get an easy job and make good money to live a stress-free life. 

10 Things About Me

1. I am VP of Leadership Development
2. I enjoy animals
3. My favorite hobby is eating food.
4. I like math.
5. I dislike learning about American history
6. I like to play video games
7. I know how to roller-blade
8. I can't play any instruments
9. I work at Dollar General
10. I am a senior

October 2023: Haylie Keasling

After high school goal: Go to college and work. I'm excited about the class parties! Career goal after high school: geriatric nurse.

10 Things About Me

1. My favorite color: pink!
2. My favorite food: tacos
3. Favorite singer: Taylor Swift
4. Favorite flower: pink carnations
5. Sports: XC manager, wrestling, softball
6. Favorite dessert: Oreo fluff
7. Favorite animal: pandas
8. Favorite movie: "Monsters Inc."
9. Favorite show: "Monster High"
10. Favorite drink: Dr. Pepper and egg nog