Featured Alumnus

Jenny Larry, 2005 JMG Graduate, Nokomis Regional High School

Like so many other JMG alums, 2005 Nokomis Regional High School graduate Jenny Larry has been inspired by her time in the program to pay it forward. When asked what JMG events or projects that she participated in that were meaningful, she mentions the Leadership Education Conference, saying, “It was a fun way to learn. I have a lot of great memories from that event. I really want to be able to volunteer and give back to JMG.”

Larry says at times her high school classes just weren’t inspiring to her. “I didn’t like the feeling of being a number or statistic,” she says. “I had a hard time applying myself to subjects that I wasn’t interested in and I enjoyed more hands on type of learning.”

But being in JMG helped her to learn in a way that made sense to her. She says of her JMG Specialist, “She was funny and easy to talk to. She would listen to us and not judge us, but gave us great advice if we asked for it. She developed a great relationship with everybody in our group.”

JMG taught Larry valuable skills that she is still using today. “I received many skills from JMG that have helped me since I graduated from high school, like writing a resume and cover letter; work/school resources; discovering my love for volunteering, and leadership skills,” she says. “JMG helped give me the motivation to become who I want to be in life. I would like to thank JMG for letting me participate and helping me with the skills needed for life after high school.”

After graduating from Nokomis, Larry says she “did a little bit of everything” while trying to find her passion in life. “I received my Real Estate Certificate. Then I went into the work force as a cashier and attended online schooling for Medical Transcription, but decided that wasn't for me. I wanted something more. So I began to work in the home health care field, where I learned a lot of skills. Due to lack of hours in the agency, I applied as a Direct Support Professional and was promoted to the Quality Assurance Coordinator,” a position she currently holds at the Charlotte White Center in Dover-Foxcroft.

“I have learned so much from every position I held, and I enjoy assisting others,” says Larry. “I can’t wait to see what I achieve next.”