Y.O.U. Student Takes Home First Place in Public Speaking 

This past week, many of our high school participants had an exciting opportunity to represent their skills at the state and national level with Jobs for Ohio Graduates (JOG). 

At the National Career Development Conference hosted by Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), Glenville High School Students Elicia and Mikaulys proudly represented Cleveland JOG. Held on April 18-20 in St Louis, MO, the conference included attending workshops, competitions, career fairs and even exploring the city.  

Elicia, who competed in the Employability Skills category, said it felt amazing making it to the national level. Her prep included reviewing a lot of mock interview questions and remembering key aspects like shaking their hand and maintaining eye contact. 

“I feel like it prepared me for the future because at the career opportunity fair, I got to meet a lot of new people and new jobs,” Elicia said. 

Mikaulys competed in the Prepared Speaking category with a three-minute speech about her experience with JOG. To prepare beforehand, she practices a lot in front of the mirror. 

“The whole experience has made me feel a little more mature and confident,” Mikaulys said.  

The students also had the opportunity to experience the city with a Cardinals baseball game and of course a visit inside the iconic St. Louis arch. Both Elicia and Mikaulys loved the weather and delicious food on their trip and agreed it was a fun place to visit. 

On April 22, multiple local students competed at the State Career Development Conference in Westerville, OH. Hosted by Jobs for Ohio Graduates, this event featured competitions and a career expo. Local students at the state conference included: 

• Glenville High School – Daeshawnae, Elicia, Mikaulys 

• John Marshall School of Civic Leadership and Business Leadership – Mya, David, Charkia, Juan 

• Maple Heights High School – Jada, Amarion, Fantasia 

• Warrensville Heights High School – Jerry, Shimira, LeAnthony, Nakiyah, Jazmin 

Juan, senior at John Marshall School for Civic and Business Leadership, won first place in the Prepared Speaking category. 

“It feels great. I never would have thought I’d be doing something like this,” Juan said. “If (two months ago) you would have told me that I was going to place first place at state against amazing competitors, I would have thought you were crazy.”  

He previously had competed at local competitions and recently placed second at Y.O.U.’s Youth Career Olympics, though this was the first time at a state level. 

Juan’s four-minute winning speech discussed his non-traditional high school experience, getting introduced to JOG and how JOG has helped him. To prepare his remarks, he thinks about his past experience because “people can understand you more when you throw your personal history into it.” 

He is so happy to be graduating this spring and though he doesn’t know exactly what the future will look like, he knows he wants to do something with public speaking. 

“Now that I’ve been through all of this, I see a future in public speaking.” 

A huge congratulations to all the students for competing at a high level – well done!