The main focus for the Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates (JAG Nevada) program is workforce development for current high school students.
But it also means they are committed to community service.
JAG Nevada students from Spanish Springs High School will donate their time and resources to Down Syndrome Network of Northern Nevada (DSNNN) each fall for the annual Buddy Walk this Saturday, Sept. 23 at Greater Nevada Field.
“The Buddy Walk is the highlight of our year,” said Jake Merrill, JAG Nevada Specialist for Spanish Springs High School. “The students and I get together every year to help coordinate the event, we form our own team, and we help raise funds for this organization. We can teach students to prepare for the future, but JAG Nevada also teaches students to help the community so we prepare for that future as well.”
The Buddy Walk is a short 1-mile stroll around the ball park. With the walk, there is also a pancake breakfast, but more importantly, there is the opportunity to celebrate our families, friends, coworkers, and community members with down syndrome.
“It is about more than the walk, it is about educating the community, advocating for rights, and celebrating our friends and family with Down syndrome. JAG is a huge part of that. The students not only give their time, but have really become members of our organization,” said Sherry Christopher, executive director of DSNNN.
