When Hailey, Canberra, Trinity, and Alyssa walked into the JAG Nevada classroom, they carried the quiet weight of being first.
First in their families to dream about college. First to navigate applications without a roadmap. First to believe that something bigger was possible.
These proud Native American women chose to rewrite the story others had written for them. This year, all four earned scholarships and are pursuing futures as nurses, a firefighter, and an environmental scientist.
Their JAG Specialist watched them push through self-doubt, overcome obstacles, and show up for themselves again and again. Because first-generation students don’t just carry their own dreams. They carry the hopes and sacrifices of everyone who came before them.
To Hailey, Canberra, Trinity, and Alyssa: you walked in as students, and you leave as proof that where you come from does not determine where you are going.
You walked in carrying the weight of being first. You leave carrying the power of being an example.
Jasmine’s senior year at Reno High School became a powerful example of perseverance, growth, and the impact of a supportive community.
Entering the 2025-26 school year, Jasmine faced the challenge of making up nine credits. Determined to reach her goal, she stayed focused and worked tirelessly to get back on track. On June 13, she proudly walked across the stage with her Reno High School classmates.
Her accomplishments extend far beyond graduation. Jasmine reduced her absences from 84 as a freshman to just 11 during her senior year, recovered all of her missing credits, and was recognized as Reno High School’s Student of the Month. In May, she added another achievement to her growing list when an article she wrote on improving public transit access was published.
Jasmine’s success reflects not only her own determination, but also the power of a school community working together to support students as they discover their strengths and pursue their goals.
Students like Jasmine remind us why we do this work. We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and look forward to seeing where her voice and leadership will take her next.
Ronaldo’s journey is a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the power of education. After immigrating from Cuba, he and his family adapted to life in three different states as he navigated a new culture, language, and school system. Through it all, Ronaldo remained focused on his goals and earned the distinction of valedictorian at his high school.
This fall, he will attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he plans to continue his education and ultimately pursue a master’s degree in business.
Ronaldo’s impact extends beyond academics. Remembering his own experiences as a newcomer, he became a source of encouragement and support for fellow Latino students, helping classmates with English and academics while leading with compassion and service.
Ronaldo’s story demonstrates how resilience, hard work, and a commitment to lifting others up can open doors and inspire others along the way.
Sometimes the impact of JAG Nevada shows up when you least expect it.
In May 2026, Chris Allen, JAG Nevada’s Workforce Development Specialist in Reno, happened to run into JAG Nevada graduate Tayvon at the apartment complex where graduates participating in Tesla’s Manufacturing Development Program (MDP) live. Tayvon was heading to work at Tesla, where he has already earned a promotion. Even more exciting, Tesla is exploring a future path for him to become an engineer.
Just a few years ago, Tayvon wasn’t sure what life after high school would look like. As a student at Legacy High School, he didn’t know what career he wanted to pursue and never considered himself “college material.” Through JAG Nevada and the encouragement of his JAG Specialist, Tayvon discovered an interest in advanced manufacturing and entered Tesla’s Manufacturing Development Program after graduating in 2024.
Today, he’s thriving in a career he once never imagined possible and is being considered for opportunities that could lead to a future in engineering.
Tayvon’s story is a powerful reminder that young people don’t need someone to define their potential—they need someone to help them see it. That’s exactly what JAG Nevada does. We open doors, provide guidance, and help students discover futures they never thought were within reach.
This is how lives are changed.
Read more of our student success stories.
