SHADY SPRING, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Seventy fourth-grade students at Shady Spring Elementary School are celebrating the completion of a five-week Junior Achievement program focused on entrepreneurship and the fundamentals of starting and operating a business. Through hands-on lessons and interactive activities, students have had the opportunity to explore what it takes to become an entrepreneur, develop business ideas, make decisions, and better understand the skills needed to succeed.
The three participating fourth-grade classes will celebrate their accomplishments and receive Junior Achievement completion certificates on Thursday, November 5, at the conclusion of their regularly scheduled JA class periods: 11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 2:00 p.m. The program has provided students with an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned, build confidence, and gain an early appreciation for entrepreneurship and the possibilities ahead of them.
Junior Achievement (JA) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. Through hands-on, engaging educational experiences, JA helps students develop an understanding of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career readiness, and the skills needed to make responsible decisions about their futures. The program connects classroom learning with real-world experiences, helping young people recognize the importance of education, hard work, personal responsibility, and planning ahead.
The effort to bring Junior Achievement to Raleigh County has been made possible through the work of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee and the dedication of local volunteers.
Michelle Rotellini, President and CEO of the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of investing in local students and recognized the community partnerships making the program possible.
“The Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce is proud to have helped bring Junior Achievement to Raleigh County through the work of our Education Committee and the previous Junior Achievement experience and leadership of Ronn Robinson. We believe investing in our students is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our community. Programs like Junior Achievement give young people an early understanding of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career opportunities, and the value of setting goals and planning for their futures.
We are especially grateful to Brandon McCarter and Appalachian Bible College for embracing this opportunity and sharing their time and talents with our students. We also want to recognize and thank our additional classroom volunteers, Jill Moorefield and Aaron Kemlock, for their commitment to bringing these valuable lessons to students across Raleigh County.
It is through partnerships like these, connecting our schools, businesses, and community organizations, that we can make a meaningful difference for the next generation.”
The five-week Junior Achievement program at Shady Spring Elementary was led by Brandon McCarter, Director of Marketing at Appalachian Bible College. McCarter’s involvement is part of a broader community effort to bring Junior Achievement opportunities to students throughout Raleigh County.
For Appalachian Bible College, participation in Junior Achievement is another opportunity to put its motto into practice. The college’s motto, “…because Life is for Service,” reflects its commitment to preparing men and women to serve the Lord and make a difference in the lives of others.
“Whether we’re working with college students or fourth graders, there is great value in investing in the lives of others,” McCarter said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to spend time with these students, encourage them to think about their futures, and hopefully make a lasting impact in some small way. Service isn’t limited to what we do at work or within our own organizations. It’s about being willing to use our time and abilities to help others.” …because Life is for Service.
About Appalachian Bible College
As West Virginia’s only accredited Bible College, Appalachian Bible College has been training men and women to serve in church-related ministries since 1950. ABC offers Bible Certificates, Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Master of Arts programs, including online courses. The campus is located in beautiful Southern West Virginia just north of Beckley. Learn more at abc.edu.
