Junior Achievement Coming To County

Dakota Berry was the winner of the drawing at Dave's NAPA store. The drawing, which was held Sept. 18, was for this bike, an Orange County Chopper Schwinn bicycle.

Junior Achievement is coming to Cameron County.

The international organization, which has given young people guidance and support for more than 80 years, now has a chapter serving both Cameron and Elk counties.

"Passionate people teaching kids the economics of life" is one way JA describes itself. The organization, strongly dependent on volunteers, delivers more than 25 handson, interactive programs to students in the school setting.

Local JA leaders plan to build a network of volunteers, financial sponsors and education professionals. It will begin with a pilot program for fifth- and sixth-graders at Cameron County's Woodland Elementary School.

Several school board members attended a JA meeting in June and came back excited about this opportunity.

"We're hoping this program can do something good for our students," said Elementary

Principal Clyde Moate. "It was easy to say 'yes,' and we're looking forward to being the first school involved."

Classes are taught by volunteers from the business community, retirees, college students and parents. The "connection between learning and earning" is emphasized, through a focus on the free enterprise system, economic development and financial literacy.

A local board of directors is being formed to oversee JA programs and fund-raising. The supporters expect strong support from the region's business community.

"In a time when many rural communities are struggling to keep talented young people in the area, JA sends a strong message early on to spark enthusiasm," said Ann Miller of GE Sensing in St. Marys, a JA business partner. "Students are eager to hear about our local industry and meet successful adults. It lets them know that our community cares about them and wants to help them in their own pursuit of success."

Additional information on the new chapter is available from Blythe Raubenstrauch at 773-3162 or braubens@ncentral.com.