CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

LEXINGTON — In a ballroom filled with buzzers, business plans and polished speeches, a delegation from Martin County found itself center stage.

Eleven students from Martin County High School competed Feb. 24-25 at the Jobs for America’s Graduates Kentucky Career Development Conference in Lexington, with eight advancing to next month’s national competition.

The outcome is less surprise than expectation for this eastern Kentucky school.

Four of those national qualifiers, Russell Maynard, Collin Mills, E.J. Harless and Luke Preece, claimed first place in the State Knowledge Bowl, capturing their fourth consecutive state championship. The quartet will arrive at nationals as Kentucky’s top team and the defending national champions after winning the title last year.

The other four national qualifiers are Karson Hammond, Marlee Grayson, Hallee Preece and Raegan Horn. This group earned second place in the state in Project-Based Learning for their “Pet Blessing Box” initiative. Their effort placed a pet supply blessing box at the local fire department in Inez to support families in need. The project reflected the group’s strong commitment to community service.

Led by JAG KY specialist Lance Tackett, these students will now prepare for the national stage, continuing a strong tradition of excellence for MCHS and the JAG KY program.

Three additional students competed. Keyera Maynard, Audrey Vanover and Kadence Blackburn qualified for state at the CDC regionals in Prepared Speaking, Career Preparation, and Digital Outstanding Chapter. They represented Martin County with pride.

The National Career Development Conference will take place April 30-May 2 in Salt Lake City, Utah.