Connetquot High School students enrolled in the “High School Heroes” program recently paid a visit to the fifth-grade students of John Pearl Elementary School in an effort to share sensible financial choices with the young students.

Students were provided worksheets, stickers, and a sum of “virtual currency” during the interactive lesson, and were asked to determine how much of their “money” they should spend immediately, save for another day or share with others. 

The High School Heroes program is a service-learning project sponsored by Junior Achievement USA that provides high school students with the opportunity to become role models for elementary students. These “Heroes” teach and empower elementary students by using interactive lessons centered around work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

The interactive presentation at John Pearl was not only fun for the fifth-graders, but also helps high school students learn and practice skills necessary to prepare for the workforce upon graduation. 

Personal Finance students Vincent Calvosa, Jacob Tokofsky, Joshua Blanco, Hannah Mayer and Kevin Jorgensen were joined by Elementary Humanities Chairperson Eileen Abraham, and Patty Hill of Junior Achievement during their visit.

Connetquot’s High School Heroes are selected based on their leadership and training through the National Business Honor Society. Students are recognized by Junior Achievement, a national business and training association. There are 30 trained and qualified Connetquot “High School Heroes” who will visit district schools this year.