Monday, September 28, 2026
70 Years of Impact: Stories That Shape Junior Achievement - The Moments That Matter
70 Years of Impact: Stories That Shape Junior AchievementTeaching, Laughing & Making an Impact: Years of JA in the ClassroomAshley Dekarske, Merrill Lynch I’ve had the joy of teaching kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 5th grade classes—both JA-in-a-Day and the traditional five-week format. Most of my time has been spent at Harrison Elementary, though I’ve also volunteered in Iowa City, Walcott, and other Davenport schools. Kindergarten and 1st grade have always held a special place in my heart, and I’ve
Friday, September 25, 2026
70 Years of Impact: Stories That Shape Junior Achievement
The Opportunity That Sparked a PassionSaree Hahn, JA Volunteer Teaching kindergartners is where it all started for me. It was fall, and my son had just started school when his teacher asked if I would be their Junior Achievement (JA) volunteer. That single opportunity eventually led to my love of teaching in the classroom. Over the past 15 years as a JA volunteer, my passion for teaching children about financial literacy, smart money choices, work readiness, and entrepreneurship has continued to grow.
Monday, August 17, 2026
70 Years of Impact: Stories That Shape Junior Achievement: From JA Student to JA Volunteer
70 Years of Impact: Stories That Shape Junior Achievement: From JA Student to JA Volunteer As a junior in high school in 1977, I had no particular interest in business, but I did want to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities to learn, especially about how the adult world worked. One of those opportunities was Junior Achievement, which gave high school students the chance to form and run a miniature business. Our advisors, from Stanley Works (in New Britain, CT), helped us organize the company,
