Hammond Central student has evolved through JAG Indiana

Tyrell Frieson is described by Hammond Central's football coach Adam Hudak as a quiet leader who is a role model on and off the field.

"His leadership skills are symbolic of the person he is," Hudak said. "I'm very proud to have been his coach."

Although Frieson was the Wolves' best offensive and defensive lineman in his coach's eyes this past season, he personally prides himself for his success in the classroom. Frieson ranks in the top three of his class and proudly represents Hammond Central through the state and national program: Jobs for America's Graduates Indiana.

JAG is a resiliency-building workforce program in 40 states helping students who encounter barriers to graduation learn in-demand employability skills, and receive career exploration experiences, according to its website. Since its inception in 2006, JAG Indiana has served 40,000 Hoosiers and graduated more than 95% of its students.

Over the past two years, Frieson's experiences with JAG have helped him evolve as a person. He said it's the sole reason he has direction in his life.

He's currently in the process deciding between taking his carpentry skills he's learned at the Area Career Center and going into the union after graduation, or going to school to study psychology and social work. If Frieson chooses the school pathway, he wants to become a therapist and work with children who've endured hardship in their lives.

"I want to be that bridge for them so I can tell them what they're feeling – that it's OK – and how they can use that to better themselves and the people in their communities," he said.

Prior to playing football and participating in JAG, Frieson struggled with insecurities stemming from his childhood. Growing up, Frieson said he was frequently ridiculed at home if he expressed too much emotion or said something that might sound "corny" to someone else.

"I would feel frustrated, but I didn't know how to take it out," he said. "JAG helped me with that. I'm now breaking out of my shell and being myself."

Frieson's personality and work ethic lead him to being selected as JAG Indiana's first ever State Career Association Parliamentarian. The Career Association was introduced this year and has four state officers who represent JAG Indiana as a whole, Frieson said. 

He was elected parliamentarian out of students from 140 JAG programs across the state. Beginning on Dec. 27, the Career Association will have monthly meetings to discuss improving the organization, and help with bettering the state. As parliamentarian, Frieson will keep order at the meetings.

Within this role, Frieson hopes to introduce a concept similar to a college fair, but instead have representatives from different trade fields speak with students. He said it could even go a step further by having former JAG representatives who have current careers in the trades speak at these events.

From their initial introduction, Hammond Central's JAG Specialist Elizabeth Mangan knew she saw something great in Frieson.

"He always wants to do better. He is willing," Mangan said. "Whenever I give him an opportunity he wants to take it. He's resilient."

Frieson most recently had the opportunity to travel to the U.S. Capitol to attend the JAG National Student Leadership Academy from Nov. 30, to Dec. 2, in Washington, D.C. Frieson and Portage JAG participant Ronald Jackson arrived one day before the leadership conference began to explore Washington.

Frieson and Jackson's first stop was to check out the U.S. Capitol and the Capitol Christmas Tree. During the conference Frieson attended leadership sessions, networked with students, representatives and JAG Specialists from different states, and participated in advocacy training sessions. 

Frieson also met with U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, to discuss current topics in Northwest Indiana including recent grants local organizations received to improve safety efforts in the community, and possible funding in the future for trade workers. 

One of the most memorable experiences on Frieson's trip was touring the Arlington National Cemetery and watching the changing of the guards. In addition, he enjoyed going on The Momentum Tour.

"My favorite part about the trip was Washington itself," Frieson said. "I like how you can see every monument from each other. I like how they respect and show off their important figures in their city by allowing you to see everything from each other."

As his last semester of high school approaches, Frieson will be participating at the JAG Regional Career Development Conference on Feb. 2, with plans to represent Indiana on a state level at the national conference in April. 

Frieson said he accredits all of his success to Mangan. Though he hasn't decided what career path he will take, he's confident he will give everything his best effort at all times. 

"I'm a believer in Christ so I know whatever I pick is going to be good for me as long as I have God in my life," he said. "I'm excited because I know my work ethic will allow me to do something great one day, even if there's some turmoil on the way – I know I will come out on top."