Three named as 2023 Ken Smith Scholars, hear about them as only their Specialists can tell

The results are in, and three JAG Indiana students have been named as 2023 Ken Smith Scholars, tying the most for any JAG state in the nation.

Abby Love of Manchester, Emily Miller of Mitchell, and Neva Verbik of Avon High Schools were selected for the prestigious honor, which will net them a scholarship of $2,000 to aid them in their continued educational pursuits. Only 26 high school students across the nation earned such an honor.

While the JAG journey for each has been different, they all share a common bond in representing the best of JAG Indiana.

Avon JAG Specialist Elena Stidham on Neva's journey, which began once upon a time as a shy student unsure of herself, culminating not only in this honor, but being named the 2023 JAG Indiana Statewide Outstanding Senior at the annual Career Development Conference last month.

Elena on Neva's JAG Journey:

"When I took over, she was someone that was bright and happy, but not as much faith in her own abilities. Now, she's incredibly confident and can tackle anything given to her, and she's not afraid to try anything new, even if it ends up being unsuccessful. She learns and grows and adapts and smiles the entire way.

Elena on Neva's Best Qualities:

Neva is a gifted leader, not just with her successes, either. Even with projects that fall through, she figures out what went wrong, what to improve, how to continue, and encourages everybody around her to do the best they can. She's an amazing example of someone who can be a leader but doesn't have to be insanely extroverted, that leading and being an example is just a choice you can make, and she chooses to do it every single day.

Elena on Neva's Future:

Well, Neva IS the best of JAG! 😉 Even when she's no longer my student, I know that her leadership and guidance for everyone around her will be her legacy. I can't wait to see how else she's going to soar when the world of opportunity is at her fingertips.

Meanwhile, Manchester Specialist Phil Butler noted that his Outstanding Senior, Abby, had a leg up on knowing what JAG was since her older brother was a former student, but has carved her own path to success. When asked about what makes Abby special, he is at no shortage for superlatives.

Phil on Abby's JAG Journey:

"When we began discussing the Career Association officers, Abby was immediately interested in running for a position. She was the first to email me to announce her interest in the President role. Seeing her elected to this demonstrated her peers saw her as a leader too. She was the first person to want to compete for Outstanding Senior. She has regularly been the first to complete most tasks in class. Throughout JAG she has continued to push herself for success and more importantly to ask questions so she continues to grow. Her biggest growth from JAG this year has come through helping others. While Abby has a kind heart and helps when she can, she has taken on more roles in community service this year than in her past."

Phil on What Sets Abby Apart:

"I could easily speak of her 4.0 academic success as the main thing that sets her above her peers, but I will instead point to her drive to help the world around her," added Butler. "One great example of this, is through a podcast she began where she discusses her take on various issues affecting our country and population. When others listen to them, it clearly begins deeper conversations as time and again I have watched this unfold in class, always with a level of respect about each other’s differing opinions."

Phil on Abby's Future:

"Because of Abby’s brother, she knew early on what JAG could offer. And while she is incredibly ambitious and wanted her schedule to reflect the highest level of classes she could take here, she wanted to make sure that JAG was one of them because she was eager to learn ways to be more successful in her career path. It is the leg up she believes she received through JAG that will help her stay ahead of the competition as she works towards a career goal in neuropsychology and uses that to continue to help others.

When people look at Abby, and realize someone so driven saw the benefit of learning what JAG has to offer, they will see the best of what JAG has to offer because truly anyone can benefit from it. Abby said herself “it is my responsibility and commitment to JAG to utilize the knowledge of career preparation to help me reach my professional goals”. She saw the benefit of JAG, and will not only be a strong, positive example to represent JAG but also encourage others to join and utilize what it can offer to set them on the right path as well."

Emily Miller of Mitchell came by way of JAG, admittedly, because she overheard how much fun the program was having and how her peers in it always seemed to be doing fun things. She didn't necessarily expect to be profoundly changed, though.

In addition to being named a Ken Smith Scholar, Emily also was named second place in the Outstanding Senior competition at the aforementioned State event in March.

Her Specialist, Nikki Porter, is excited for Emily's future.

Nikki on Emily:

"Emmie isn't just a role model to her peers, but to most adults. The perseverance she shows is admirable and I have no doubt that Emmie will achieve greatness and always advocate for JAG after graduation."