Higgins High Student Selected as JAG State President
This year, JPS is excited to have Ravien Burns of Higgins High School selected as the state president for Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG). There are only six officer positions at the state-level and more than one hundred JAG Programs in the state. Therefore, to have the president, or any officer, selected out of all of those students who competed from other schools, is an honor for the student, JAG Specialist, the school, and the district.
JAG is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting young people of great promise. The program promotes academic and skills attainment, civic responsibility, leadership development and social awareness to become a responsible citizen and productive worker.
We caught up with Ravien on what involvement in JAG has meant to her, and what she hopes to accomplish this year.
How long have you been involved with JAG?
I’ve been involved with JAG for two years.
What made you want to join JAG?
I had some friends in JAG and they told me how they work, how they do community service, and I thought I would like to try it out.
What are some things you are learning in JAG?
I am learning employability skills like teamwork, how to be engaged and stay determined. I am learning how to be organized and JAG teaches me to never fall short on what I want to do in life.
How do you feel about serving as the JAG President for the entire State of Louisiana?
It is an exciting position, but I am also nervous because I represent everyone that is part of this class and the whole organization, but I know I am prepared, and I am very excited to be the president and take on this leadership role.
What do you hope to accomplish as the JAG president?
The president’s role is a huge opportunity for me. It’s amazing and a blessing and an honor to have this title on my shoulders and even though we are in this pandemic I am going to be positive and optimistic about 2021. I am going to take my role seriously and be the best I can be and make this coming year our best yet for everyone.
How do you believe your experience in JAG will help you beyond high school?
I feel that the organization skills I learned will be very helpful. I will take the motivation skills I’ve learned with me to college and it will help me work with others and stay focused on getting any job done.
If you had to say one thing about JAG to encourage your peers to get involved, what would it be?
I would say JAG makes you part of a team that prepares you for success, and it is also a lot of fun!
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?
I am part of my church choir, the Educational Challenge Search at Dillard University, and also a journalism program called JRNOLA.
What are your favorite things to do outside of school?
I love to read, write, play my keyboard, sing, dance, and help my family in the kitchen.
What are your future plans?
I see myself going to an HBCU. I would love to be an entrepreneur and combine my passions of business, music, and journalism together. I want to do something different and be a trendsetter. My dad encourages me and says no matter what the obstacles I face I can overcome them.