New Britain I&I: Write Your Own Story!

JAG CT’s second Installation and Installation ceremony drew more than 100 students, parents, dignitaries and supporters, as JAG participants from New Britain High School and the NBHS Satellite Careers Academy joined forces to plan and carry out the event October 29.

Special thanks to Senator Terry Gerratana, who secured legislative citations for all JAG Career Association elected officers, and to State Representatives Rick Lopes and Peter Tercyak for attending and helping award the citations and certificates of participation. The Career Association is a core element of the JAG program, and all JAG students were recognized as members. Students elect peer leaders, and design and carry out community service projects and  throughout the year, in addition to their elective credit JAG course.

NBHS alum Tammy Lorenzo, of Career Beginnings, delivered the keynote address, sharing her own journey of discovering mentors and finding her way.

“That’s what JAG is all about – a dedicated person to help you and stay with you,” she said, referring to JAG’s 12 months of follow-up services. “Take advantage of what JAG has to offer you!”

NBHSSCA Principal Mike Foran thanks Lorenzo, and reminded JAG students that their own stories are still theirs to write.

“Think of how you want to be seen and remembered in other people’s stories,” he said. “Do you want to be that person who was there for others when they needed you? You want to be the person others can count on.”

Awarding the legislative citations, Senator Gerratana reminded students they are part of something larger – that JAG has been supported by the state of Connecticut’s Department of Labor, representing their value to the state and to its leaders.

JAG students from both the High School and the Satellite Careers Academy –and NBHS Specialist Emily Carver —  worked hard to plan and carry out the event, transforming the cafeteria into a festive and elegant venue.

Thanks to all who took part, including Superintendent  Kelt Cooper,  assistant superintendent Paul Salina, Associate Principals Joseph Pinchera and Kerri-Lyn Major, school counselor Ed Dejesus, dean of students Mike Peterson, and NBHS teachers Mr. Bornn, Ms. Mowchan, Ms. Higgins, Mr. Zayas, Mr. Malinowski and Ms. Bernacki. Thanks also to Paulette Fox, Executive Director of OIC in New Britain, and Sue Bowen Harris of the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, for attending!

To any and all involved in our Installation and Initiation Ceremony we would like to extend our warmest gratitude. As the Career Association and JAG go forward, we want to recognize those who have been critical in our successes in both the classroom and the community!