Manchester High Schoolers Head Back To Elementary School For A Day

MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester High School students spread out through the district's elementary schools recently to help younger students during JA Day, the first full-district student teaching event since the pandemic.

JA Day involvedhigh school students who participate in the high school's Junior Achievement Program, led by Heather Staples, which empowers high school students to make a difference in their communities while serving as role models to children in their school districts.

At Ridgeway Elementary School, 70 students spread out at 26 classrooms and worked with 438 students.

The students — JA High School Heroes — presented age-appropriate financial literacy and entrepreneurship lessons to students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The lessons were led by at least two high school volunteers and included interactive activities, games, demonstrations, and collaboration.

Celeste Hardrick of Junior Achievement explained that JA High School Heroes helps students build their leadership and career skills and supports New Jersey schools and educators.

"Additionally, teaching them responsible decision-making, in turn, reinforces a productive school environment," district officials said. Manchester Township High School has been participating in Junior Achievement since 2008.

The JA High School Heroes program opens other opportunities for high school students to be invited to serve as student ambassadors for JA special events, such as the NJ Business Hall of Fame, and are eligible for the annual High School Hero Scholar Award.