Known as JA Day, the Junior Achievement Student Program led by Manchester Township High School (MTHS) teacher Heather Staples empowers Manchester's high school students to make a difference in their communities as leaders while serving as role models to children within their school district.
This morning, MTHS’s JA High School Heroes visited Ridgeway Elementary School for the program’s final JA Day of the school year, marking the culmination of months of outreach at elementary schools throughout the district and Lakehurst.
During their visit, the high school volunteers taught age-appropriate lessons in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Under the direction of MTHS JA Advisor and teacher Heather Staples, the student leaders could be found throughout the building leading engaging classroom activities. Lessons included interactive games, worksheets, and discussions designed to introduce younger students to important real-world concepts in a fun and relatable way.
Elementary students warmly welcomed the high school volunteers into their classrooms, enjoying the opportunity to learn from Manchester’s own student leaders. For many of the younger students, JA Day is a favorite event and a chance to connect with role models from their community.
"Participating as JA High School Heroes helps our MTHS students develop important leadership and career skills while giving back to their community," says Heather Staples, MTHS JA Advisor. "They leave JA Day more confident, more prepared, and proud of the impact they've made."
According to Celeste Hardrick of Junior Achievement, the JA High School Heroes program helps students build leadership and career skills while supporting New Jersey schools and educators. The program also opens additional opportunities for participating high school students, including invitations to serve as student ambassadors at Junior Achievement special events such as the New Jersey Business Hall of Fame. Participants are also eligible to apply for the annual High School Hero Scholar Award.
As the final JA Day of the school year, today’s visit highlights the impact Manchester Township High School students have made across the district, sharing their knowledge, enthusiasm, and leadership with younger learners throughout the community.
