Franklin County would like to recognize two high school students who attended the JAG Nationals with Tanya Wirtz. JAG is a program that helps students with basic life skills such as taxes, budgeting, financial responsibility, career readiness, and career preparation. This program assists with students who are unsure about adult life moving forward, and those who have a plan and need that extra boost to get their first step forward. 

First, let's meet Karly Bergin, a senior at FCHS. Karly initially had two friends who previously took JAG and urged her to give it a try. Karly opted to take both semesters and has found she has learned a lot.  

"Budgeting was my favorite program. I tend to spend a lot, but now I have a better understanding of how to budget my money," Karly states. 

Karly competed in public speaking and went to Nationals, where she also sang the National Anthem. She mentions how she is introverted and that this was a huge, but fulfilling step she was able to take. Now, with her confidence soaring, Karly plans to attend IU East for business administration and neuro-Science. She credits her preparedness to JAG, and how it has been helping her not only shape her future, but how she plans to move through college and career with her goals in a smooth and understanding direction. 

Next, let's meet Piper Twiggs, a junior at FCHS. Piper chose Career Presentation for her junior year, which meant creating a Powerpoint presentation over her chosen career. She then performed this presentation in front of judges, though not without hours, days, and weeks of practice in front of her classmates. 

"I chose JAG because of how it prepares you for adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. Tax forms are a big part of this," Piper says.  
There is something we can all agree on. 

Piper placed 1st in Regionals and 3rd in State. While she didn't place at Nationals, Piper was happy she had this opportunity and feels confident in her plans for senior year. She has chosen Entrepreneurship, a group project that entails creating an idea, marketing it, budgeting and financing the costs, and presenting it. 

With how much planning and thought she has put into this project already, it's safe to say that Piper will achieve much more in her senior year in preparation to her future after high school.  

She has stated that while she hasn't chosen a college, she wants to be a dental hygienist. 

"I have always wanted to be a mom when I get older. This career has plenty of flexibility so that I can have more time to spend with my family. I believe that's important," Piper stated.  

Congratulations to both girls for competing and their placements. Both have shown how hard work, dedication, and a passion for improving their futures early has benefited them. Wirtz, the JAG specialist at FCHS, expresses her pride in her students and how she has been excited to watch them grow and become confident and independent in their endeavors.