By Matt Hoover
USD 475 Communications Coordinator
JUNCTION CITY, Kan. – The Junction City High School and H.D. Karns JAG-K programs had a banner weekend at the 2025 National Career Development Conference in Indianapolis, Ind."I could not have asked for a better group of students to represent our Junction City community and schools. They did amazing and will continue to do amazing things in the future," said Willie Woods, JAG-K Career Specialist.
As a program, H.D. Karns was named an Outstanding Chapter for a second-straight year.Individually, the H.D. Karns trio of Jaylah Buffington, Morgan Barrett and Shantee Dowd placed ninth overall, nationally, in the project-based learning showcase, while Jaden Exantus, Lyric Pope, and Trent Herrington earned 10th-place honors, nationally, to lead JCHS in the creative decision-making division.
“For the students to be recognized on a national level was a huge honor. They have really worked hard, so being able to make it onto the national stage was just the cherry on top. As young people they have grown so much throughout the year where now they can actively use their voice and choices to impact our community on so many levels. I am very proud of them,” said Woods.