<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591043912248.jpeg" alt="Jonathan Rupe, HHS junior, qualified for nationals in math in the JAG-K Carer Development Conference competition. He poses with his medals." />
 <figcaption>Jonathan Rupe, HHS junior, qualified for nationals in math in the JAG-K Carer Development Conference competition. He poses with his medals.</figcaption>
 </figure>By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostHays High School junior Jonathan Rupe placed first at the state JAG-K competition this spring, qualifying him for nationals.However, Rupe, 17, of Hays said JAG-K has helped him do more than just hone his math skills.JAG-K — Jobs for America's Graduates-Kansas — helps students who might be at risk of not graduating high school succeed not only in finishing high school but completing training or education after they graduate."It's given me a lot things to do to present myself to employers. It has&nbsp; given me experiences in meeting people who own business or worked in many places," he said. "I've seen people from all over come into JAG and share their experiences. It is interesting how many different ways there are of succeeding."Johnny Matlock, JAG-K teacher, said Jonathan has struggled with his self-confidence. Winning the state competition was a big boost for his self-esteem, he said.It did not come without some challenges. The state competition was conducted online because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Rupe was instructed to log-in five minutes before the competition was set to start, but his link was broken.Frantically, he reached out to Matlock who was able to secure an alternate link from the state in time for him to log in to his math test.Rupe took tests at the regional and state levels in order to qualify for nationals. The annual Career Development Conference also includes competitions for students in areas such as senior portfolio, public speaking and employability.Matlock said the competition helps all of his students build skills and confidence. Another one of his students was afraid of getting up in front of people. She was in tears of fear the day of regionals, but qualified for state in public speaking."I think it gives them real world experience," Matlock said of the competition. "They do interviews. They practice employability skills. Others give presentations as they would in the business world. Students make posters for businesses. They are practical skills."After completing school next year, Rupe hopes to work a couple of years before going to college. He wants to someday design video games."Video games are my passion," he said. "I love them so much."Rupe&nbsp; has been in JAG-K since his sophomore year and said JAG-K class time has been a lifesaver, because it has given him extra time to do his homework.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591045905090.jpeg" alt="HHS JAG-K team competes by Zoom at the state competition with their Battle of the Badges community service project." />
 <figcaption>HHS JAG-K team competes by Zoom at the state competition with their Battle of the Badges community service project.</figcaption>
 </figure>The students competed in their state competition virtually after the team took first place at their regional in Hays.&nbsp;The State CDC took place May 20 on Zoom."In one respect, we had been training for this moment all year – an opportunity to practice resiliency, a major core competency that JAG-K seeks to develop in every student. " Matlock said.In a normal year, Rupe would be eligible to travel to Washington, D.C., for the national Career Development Conference. However, he said did not know the format for this year's competition considering the COVID-19 outbreak.Every student in the JAG-K program, which is in its second year at HHS, completed a project for the CDC.&nbsp;"We competed really well as a team. We took first place as a team at regionals and it was because of everyone’s work," Matlock said. "It was a culmination of what everyone did. ... I felt the kids really worked hard, and I think it even showed at the state level where we placed fourth. It was very cool."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1591198209639.jpeg" alt="HHS JAG-K students at regionals. Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>HHS JAG-K students at regionals. Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>The following students also placed at the state and regional competitions.State&nbsp; HHS&nbsp;JAG-K team tie for fourth place 1st place Math&nbsp;– Jonathan Rupe – Qualifying for National Student Leadership Academy in Washington D.C. 3rd place Senior Portfolio&nbsp;– Marshall Perryman 5th place Project Based Learning&nbsp;– Kayley Chartier and Jacob BolligRegionals&nbsp; 1st&nbsp;place team Margaret Holmes – Public Speaking – 3rd place medal – state qualifier Jonathan Rupe – Math – 1st place medal– state qualifier Tegan Hartman – Employability Skills – 3rd place medal – state qualifier Kayley Chartier – Project Based Learning – 3rd place medal– state qualifier Jacob Bollig – Project Based Learning – 3rd place medal– state qualifier Marshall Perryman – Senior Portfolio – 1st place medal– state qualifier, regional president Skylar Ashcraft – Poster Project – 2nd place medal Elizabeth Dickman – Poster Project, 4th place and Mapping My Future, 3rd place Sarina Williams – Mapping My Future, 4th place Zac Chance—Students For Service – &nbsp;3rd place DaVantai Robinson – Students For Service – 3rd place Shaun Koerner – Senior Portfolio, 3rd place&nbsp; and Entrepreneurship, 5th place Dawson Garrison – region vice president Rachel Whitely – Senior Portfolio – 5th place

HHS JAG-K junior headed to nationals for math competition