Four JAG Indiana students named as 2025 Ken Smith Scholars

The 2025 Jobs For America's Graduates National Ken Smith Scholars were recently named, with four Hoosier students being honored with the $2,000 award to put towards their futures. Jessica Hill (Dekalb High School), Wyatt Amor (Benton Central High School), Peyton Lewis (Eastern Greene High School) and Victoria Martinez (Austin High School) were the four JAG Indiana students who were acknowledged as Ken Smith Scholars for their efforts and leadership within their JAG programs. We gave each student's JAG Specialist the opportunity to comment on these amazing young people's accomplishments.

Jessica Hill, Dekalb High School

"We have been tremendously blessed to have Jess the past 3 years in the Baron JAG family!   She puts 110% into everything she does, and JAG has been no exception. Jess has done a fantastic job helping us exceed all of our service learning goals as our Community Service chair. Jess embodies the JAG pillars of  leadership development, career preparation, civic awareness, and social awareness.  I'm so excited to see where her future takes her!" Andrea Freeze, JAG Specialist, DeKalb High School, Region 3.

Wyatt Amor, Benton Central High School

"Wyatt embodies everything that I consider to be what JAG is all about. He was my first choice to compete as our outstanding senior because that is exactly what he is. But not only an outstanding senior, but an all-around fantastic young man. He is respectful, hard-working, and a natural-born leader. He has clearly decided upon his life’s path, but even without such a plan in place, Wyatt has the initiative and strength to succeed with any goal he chooses. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Wyatt in this past year, and I am extremely proud of him," Rob Slavens, JAG Specialist, Benton Central High School, Region 4.

Peyton Lewis, Eastern Greene High School

"Peyton is an amazing young man, he is kind, soft spoken, leads by example, and is always up for a challenge. Peyton is one that doesn't like to talk about himself or to really stand out, he just wants everyone to feel accepted and welcome to whatever activity is going on. He always shows up, works hard and has fun while he is doing whatever task is in front of him. Peyton is always looking for ways to better his community and to be involved. While Riley Dance Marathon became a personal mission, he is always looking for other ways to give back in other ways," Jayme Bellman, JAG Specialist, Eastern Greene High School, Region 8.

Victoria Martinez, Austin High School

"Victoria is a kind caring young lady that brings a ray of sunshine when she walks in the door.  She is always available to help when needed.  She consistently achieves high marks and always has a strong understanding of all materials given to her.  She approaches every assignment or activity with a positive attitude that really makes her stand out in a group.  She works hard and never once complains," Heidi Davis, JAG Specialist, Austin High School, Region 10.