For many, placing fourth in the nation would be a feat in itself, but not for Jones County Junior College student Sarah-Jane Thaxton, who plans to enter a competition next year to see if she can place even higher.

Thaxton, a marketing major from Laurel, competed this summer in the national Skills USA competition, where students from across the nation on the secondary and post-secondary level showcase their career and technical skills. Thaxton and a crew of Jones students who all won first place on the state competition level went to Kansas City, Missouri to compete against other state winners from across the nation.

Approximately 5,200 students competed in 91 separate events, which included skills such as culinary arts, cosmetology, crime scene investigation, automotive service, and aviation maintenance. Thaxton participated in the job interview competition against 42 state-level winners.

“I’m not satisfied with fourth place,” said Thaxton. “I plan on entering a competition and will do the best of my ability and would love to win first. If I don’t compete in the job interview category, I would love to recruit and train someone to take my place and see my knowledge help someone else win. For me to go back and get a higher rank would be an honor, but to help another student compete and place higher than I did would be just as much an honor.”

Marketing instructor Ginger Keeton had wanted a student to participate in the job interview category at Skills USA because she knew Jones had the resources to prepare a student for the competition. When Thaxton agreed to participate, the training began. Through mock interviews, Thaxton worked on her presentation, pronunciation, and question preparation with Jones instructors Cheryl Windham, Tammy Townsend, and Jason Dedwylder, Jones vice presidents Ed Smith and Jim Walley, former elementary school principal Kathy Harrison, former Covington County speech teacher Dane Aube, USM employee Amy Ying, and Mississippi Power employee Mike Pruitt. Keeton was pleased that through the interview process with area businesses and schools, her department was able to build stronger relationships.

Thaxton has attended Jones since 2005. After spending some time looking for the major that was right for her, she discovered the marketing program.

“At first, I thought it would be boring, but when I went to see Mrs. Keeton, I saw the rooms were bright and creative. When I saw what they do, I asked where do I sign,” said Thaxton. “Marketing is so creative and versatile. It helps you meet new people and learn new things and new cultures.”

Keeton has been well pleased with Thaxton’s work, both inside and outside of the classroom.

“Sarah-Jane is a very self motivated young lady with a magnetic personality,” said Keeton. “She is also up for any challenge. She represents our program with great leadership skills. She recruits all the time for marketing. Her enthusiasm has drawn people to our program.”

Thaxton served as parliamentarian for the Jones chapter of Skills USA for 07-08 and encourages students in the career and technical fields to join.

“Skills USA helps you grow in your major and grow as a person,” she said.

“It helps you appreciate what you do and what you have. I appreciate what these adults are doing to help our students. Jones helped me so much through this process, and I represented Mississippi well. I think it would be awesome to give back.”