RESERVE – The McDonald’s corporation and East St. John High School’s Jobs for America’s Graduates program recently announced the continuation of their partnership with a induction ceremony at the school, that included check presentation.

The East St. John High School JAG program was presented with a $15,000 grant from the McDonald’s Corporation. The check was presented to the group by Sharlene Smith, vice president of Operations.

During the ceremony, the JAG officers and student body took an oath to fulfill the betterment of the organization. Sharlene Smith with McDonald’s USA Great Southern Region was the keynote speaker and spoke to the students on leadership. The masters of ceremony for the event were McDonald’s USA JAG liaisons Aimee Lopinto and David Delacy who have volunteered their time throughout the 2011–12 school year.

Previously in the year, the JAG students participated in a change, self-brand, conflict management and strategy development workshop at the McDonald’s Regional Office in Metairie. Smith presented the students with a copy of the book, “Who Moved My Cheese for Teens,” by Dr. Spencer Johnson, M.D.

The East St. John High School’s JAG program currently has 55 students and is in its second year.

JAG is a state-based national non-profit organization dedicated to preventing dropouts among young people who are most at-risk. In more than three decades of operation, JAG has delivered consistent, compelling results – helping nearly three-quarters of a million young people stay in school through graduation, pursue postsecondary education and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career advancement opportunities.