First Lady Essay Won by Purdy Student
November 9, 2022
Shown above is Purdy High School student Courtney Patterson on her recent trip to Jefferson City to meet Missouri Governor Parson and First Lady.
Ezra DeVore
On November 1, Purdy High School student Courtney Patterson had the opportunity to travel to our state capital of Jefferson City for a luncheon reception hosted by Governor Mike Parson and his wife, First Lady Teresa Parson.
Patterson was the winner of the First Lady Essay contest and thus celebrated for her essay that detailed what she feels all Missourians should know about JAG (Jobs for American Graduates). At this event, the Purdy High student of fifteen even sang the National Anthem in front of the Missouri State Governor and First Lady Parson in the rotunda.
Patterson first heard of the JAG program last summer from the teacher of the class, Kelsey Fields. Patterson says she heard how the class could help with locating a future job, deciding what one wishes to pursue after high school, in addition to money management and other early adulthood lessons.
“That’s when I wanted to take the class, I felt that was a really good opportunity,” she says.
By the time the essay was written, Patterson says they had only been in class a few weeks, though also had already learned a great deal worth sharing in her paper. Patterson states that the class taught her “financial stability, responsibility, and a lot of respect.”
She also states she felt lucky to attend the event in the state capitol, an opportunity she doubts she would have been afforded otherwise.
“It was a great experience. The dinner was delicious and I met a lot of kind people, because we sat at a table with other schools. It was very interesting to hear about where they live, who they are, and what they wrote about.”
She noticed some differences in the cultures of home and abroad, though similarities as well.
“It was more intimidating, I believe. Everybody was dressed nicely. I think all of the people treated each other the way we do. We treat each other pretty nicely, and I think they did the same thing there - they all talked very kindly about each other.”
Patterson says she recommends the class to those contemplating taking it. “Take every opportunity you have, you don’t really know what they can bring.”
On November 1, Purdy High School student Courtney Patterson had the opportunity to travel to our state capital of Jefferson City for a luncheon reception hosted by Governor Mike Parson and his wife, First Lady Teresa Parson.
Patterson was the winner of the First Lady Essay contest and thus celebrated for her essay that detailed what she feels all Missourians should know about JAG (Jobs for American Graduates). At this event, the Purdy High student of fifteen even sang the National Anthem in front of the Missouri State Governor and First Lady Parson in the rotunda.
Patterson first heard of the JAG program last summer from the teacher of the class, Kelsey Fields. Patterson says she heard how the class could help with locating a future job, deciding what one wishes to pursue after high school, in addition to money management and other early adulthood lessons.
“That’s when I wanted to take the class, I felt that was a really good opportunity,” she says.
By the time the essay was written, Patterson says they had only been in class a few weeks, though also had already learned a great deal worth sharing in her paper. Patterson states that the class taught her “financial stability, responsibility, and a lot of respect.”
She also states she felt lucky to attend the event in the state capitol, an opportunity she doubts she would have been afforded otherwise.
“It was a great experience. The dinner was delicious and I met a lot of kind people, because we sat at a table with other schools. It was very interesting to hear about where they live, who they are, and what they wrote about.”
She noticed some differences in the cultures of home and abroad, though similarities as well.
“It was more intimidating, I believe. Everybody was dressed nicely. I think all of the people treated each other the way we do. We treat each other pretty nicely, and I think they did the same thing there - they all talked very kindly about each other.”
Patterson says she recommends the class to those contemplating taking it. “Take every opportunity you have, you don’t really know what they can bring.”
