Middle School Students Take the Stage at MSCDC 2026

Congratulations to all of our winners and competitors!

The 2026 Middle School Career Development Conference (MSCDC) was hosted on February 4th at Tolleson Union High School.

Centered around this year’s theme, “Different Roots, United Purpose,” the conference brought together middle school JAG students from across Arizona for a day focused on high school preparedness, leadership development, teamwork, and career exploration. For many students, it was their first experience on a high school campus participating in career-focused competitions and workshops designed to prepare them for high school and beyond.

The Tolleson Union High School JAG students created a welcoming experience inviting clubs, sports teams, and student organizations to be part of the day. More than 69 TUHS students volunteered and represented programs including; JAG, Culinary Arts, MCJROTC, Student Council, Band, Disney Club, National Honor Society, Folklórico, Dance, Flag Football, Spiritline, Criminal Justice, Tolleson Youth Live, HOSA, Volleyball, and Soccer.

Students participated in workshops focused on soft skills, financial literacy, communication, teamwork, and future planning while also competing in career-based events that challenged them to think critically  and work collaboratively. Throughout the day, students practiced interviewing skills, public speaking, problem-solving, and professionalism.

The football field transformed into an interactive Expo and Resource Fair where students connected directly with employer and community partners while learning about opportunities, educational resources, and community programs. Expo partners included; ACCESS ASU, Army National Guard, Arizona Department of Corrections, Arizona Registrar of Contractors, City of Phoenix, One N Ten, The Be Kind Group, Vitalant, BMO, Farmers Insurance Federal Credit Union, Teen Lifeline, Tolleson Teen Council, and Rise Up Glendale Coalition.

The conference was also supported by judges and volunteers from organizations including; the Greater Phoenix Urban League, National Kidney Foundation of Arizona, Glendale Community College, ASU, Honeywell, EPICOR, Semilla Consulting LLC, MCSO, Nate’s House, Credit Union West, Sure Staff, the City of Phoenix, and Tolleson Union High School District counselors and staff.

Competition winners included:

Chapter Picture

1st Place – Gila Bend

Cover Design Division I (Traditional)

1st Place – Gila Bend Elementary School (Bella Ruiz)
2nd Place – Porfirio H Gonzales Elementary School (Christian Perez)
3rd Place – Desert Oasis Elementary School (Symphony Martinez)

Cover Design Division II (Digital)

1st Place – Arizona Desert Elementary School (Quinn Delenela)

Writing Skills

1st Place – Gila Bend (Harmony Downey-Cobb)
2nd Place – Arizona Desert Elementary School (Lily Lopez)
3rd Place – Porfirio H Gonzales Elementary School (Harlynn Hood)

JAG Promo Video

1st Place – Desert Oasis Elementary School
2nd Place – Sheely Farms Elementary School
3rd Place – Arizona Desert Elementary School

Creative Decision Making

1st Place – Arizona Desert Elementary School
Angeloh Aceves, Emma Alaniz, Aiden Palomar Vidrio, Jaylen Munoz Castillo

2nd Place – Desert Oasis Elementary School
Aurora Hagans, Valeria Enriquez, Maximus Navarro, Sofia Fonseca

3rd Place – Sheely Farms Elementary School
Jazalynne Hall, Leilah Gilchrist, Camila Lopez, Zhahara Cananelez

Prepared Speaking

1st Place – Arizona Desert Elementary School (Lucia Servin-Gracia)
2nd Place – Gila Bend (Adrian Creek)
3rd Place – Sheely Farms Elementary School (Fatima Yuma)

Employability Skills

1st Place – Arizona Desert Elementary School (Leilani Garcia Ramirez)
2nd Place – Desert Oasis Elementary School (Sarah Ortiz)
3rd Place – Gila Bend (Juan Contreras)

Career Preparation

1st Place – Arizona Desert Elementary School (Chole Zamudio)
2nd Place – Porfirio H Gonzales Elementary School (Leonidas Hernandez)
3rd Place – Desert Oasis Elementary School (Navaeh Ceballos)

The Middle School Career Development Conference is an opportunity for students to see themselves as leaders and future professionals. Support experiences like the Middle School Career Development Conference by partnering with JAG Arizona as a volunteer, sponsor, employer partner, or donor. Together, we can continue creating opportunities that help students build confidence and a stronger future.