Junior Achievement educates young people about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and basic financial matters. The organization’s annual thank-you luncheon for volunteers was held at the FCPS central offices.

Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass invited volunteers to a thank-you luncheon Aug. 16 at the central offices of Fayette County Public Schools, whose students benefit greatly from the professionals’ dedication.

“Teaching a J.A. class is rewarding, but it’s also a time commitment. To do it year after year is what drives J.A.,” said David Royse, the organization’s board chairman. “What makes us unique is the wide variety of volunteers in the public and private sector. They are committed to Kentucky’s schoolchildren.”

Junior Achievement educates young people about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and basic financial matters. In the Adopt-A-School program, companies provide student materials and volunteer training for a particular school. Other business partners support J.A.’s financial literacy programs and curriculum. Late this fall, the J.A. BizTown / J.A. Finance Park will open in the former Linlee Elementary building off Georgetown Road.

At the luncheon, more than a dozen volunteers received pins and certificates for five, 10, and 15 years of service. In addition, Lora Knight and Ronn Robinson earned the Bronze Award for having taught at least 50 J.A. classes, and Roy Turley received the Silver Award for leading at least 100 classes. These three have altogether touched the lives of more than 4,800 students.

During the 2015-16 school year, JA volunteers reached some 20,400 students through 844 classes across Central Kentucky – an increase of about 2,000 students from the previous year.

FCPS Superintendent Manny Caulk noted one theme that emerged from his conversations with high school students last year was a need for more financial literacy. “I accepted that as a challenge, and it underscores the importance of the work you’re doing,” he said at the J.A. gathering. “Our students need to be more competent in those areas, so I’m extremely grateful for the work you do.”

Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass has taught K-12 students for more than 50 years, empowering them to take charge of their future economic success. For more information, visit www.jalexington.org or call JA President Lynn Hudgins at (859) 219-2423.

Story by: Tammy Lane.