MANCHESTER – Students from the township’s high school provided a special day of learning and career guidance recently to the classrooms of Ridgeway Elementary School.
Fifty-five high school Hero volunteers brought their talents and skills to the elementary school for Junior Achievement Day. The purpose of that event was to provide lessons on personal finance, entrepreneurship and career readiness to 22 Ridgeway classrooms.
The program, sponsored by Junior Achievement (JA), is aimed at students from kindergarten thru 5th grade and helps to prepare them to succeed in a global economy.
The MTHS students got a lot out of the experience as well and shared their thoughts about it.
“Engaging with the kids and seeing them having fun while learning was my favorite part of the day,” said Isabella, a 12th grader.
Fellow senior Noelle said she enjoyed working with the children within her own community. “This experience has helped me develop my leadership and communication skills.”
“I loved working with the kids, I really enjoyed getting to experience what it’s like running a classroom and being responsible for fifteen kindergarteners,” shared Mia, a junior at the high school.
Several Ridgeway teachers commented on the interaction between the young students and the older ones.
“The best part of the day was seeing the connection my students made with the high schoolers,” third grade teacher Ms. Palmer said.
Fourth grade teacher Ms. Tierney added, “the JA High School Heroes program gave my students a better understanding of the following concepts: financial responsibility and business and entrepreneurship.”
“The presence of a high school hero volunteer from the local community enhanced the curriculum. The helpers were great,” second grade teacher Ms. Johnson said.
Ms. White, a fourth-grade teacher at the school added, “the best part of the day was seeing how engaged my class was with the high school students.”
