Calling all Volunteers, Teachers and JA Alumni!

We'd love to hear about your JA experiences!  Whether you were a classroom volunteer, a teacher who experienced the JA programs in your classroom or a JA alum we'd like to hear from you about how JA has effected your life.  Please submit your comments below, and then feel free to see what others have said!

Feedback From Our Teachers and Volunteers
"It is personally rewarding to motivate and encourage students to develop skills needed to be a better person and to be more successful in the business world.  From worplace expectations and resumes to conflict resolution and teamwork-this program is so beneficial for students.  I can't wait for next year!"  Renee Remsen, Educator, Williamsville East High School

"AAA of Western and Central New York fully supported my volunteer involvement as it is in line with our commitment to community and county practices.  There's something wonderfully refreshing about leaving my office and hanging out with a group of 2nd graders for one hour a week." 
-  Patrice Morris, Volunteer, Harris Hill Elementary School

"I have a tremendous amount of respect and value for the purpose and effectiveness of Junior Achievement.  Your ability to link with the business community and meet the New York State standards through your curriculum is evidence of Junior Achievement's flexibility in meeting the needs of our community."
Gerald Hathaway, CTE Coordinator, West Seneca Central School District

"The JA program is awesome.  The children really look forward to the weekly visits by JA volunteers.  This excitement translates into students that pay good attention and are eager to participate in class discussions.  They love the team projects and you can see how they strive to relate the classroom experience to real-life applications.  The JA curriculum compliments the instructional objectives of teachers and provides students with needed reinforcement on the more difficult concepts.  The volunteers bring real world knowledge into the classroom which is a tremendous motivator to both students and instructors.    Being a JA volunteer is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  I leave the classroom confident the time investment had a positive impact on the children.  Honestly, my first hour of JA classroom time was more personally satisfying than twenty years working for a large corporation. I highly recommend the JA program to anyone with a sincere desire to help shape the lives of our future leaders."
- Clay Morgan, Ingram Micro, 2nd Grade Volunteer, Sheridan Hill, Ms. Katie Kibler's class

"I had a meeting with the Superintendent this morning, and I again told him how much the Batavia community benefits from Junior Achievement. It is a testimony to the program to know that our consultants return year
after year. They enjoy the kids; the change of pace; feel they give back; create friendships; make contacts; help mold tomorrow's workforce. These are comments I often hear from our more than 50 business consultants. One story in particular I would like to share from Linda Knox at Batavia Bus. She... recalled a youngster in her class last year wildly flailing his little hand in the air after a lesson, 'Miss Knox, I get it!' That's the best testimonial I've heard.

For our teachers, they appreciate another presence in the classroom who can help them teach Social Studies, and in many cases, help to drive ALL the learning standards they're required to teach. The field trips to worksites offer a unique culminating experience to many programs as well. Thank you for all you do to include us!"
Sharon Messina
Batavia City Schools, School-To-Work

"I remember having JA in high school when I was senior at West Seneca East High School.  Even back then I saw the value of the programs and wanted to get involved as a volunteer.  Now I welcome JA programs into my own classroom.  My classroom volunteer, John Evoy of First Niagara Bank, was a great pairing.  He brought so much knowledge and experience into the classroom.  The students had no idea what it was like to create a business plan and John showed them how vital that is to the success of a company through his own examples."
-Eileen Cartonia, Former JA Alum, volunteer, and now educator that welcomes JA into her classroom at Depew High School

Thank You From Our Kids! 
When asked "What was the most important thing you learned from Junior Achievement?": 

"If not for JA, I probably wouldn't want to go into international business.  As president of my JA business at Cardinal O'Hara High School, I saw that running a business every day is what I wanted.  I wanted to help other people reach their goals in business."

"You taught me what unit and assembly line production was.  You even taught me that parents have to pay taxes.  I wish you could stay all year."

"Junior Achievement helped me realize what I want to be when I get older, and ready to get a job.  Your class also helped me realize what my future can be like if I make good decisions.  Thank you for helping me figure out what I am going to do with my life in the future."

TESTIMONIALS
NORM FISHER
Norm Fisher, who has been a successful news photographer for WGRZ-TV for 24 years, made his official debut in the broadcast world thanks to JA. Norm attended Hamburg High School and was involved in JA from 1971-1973. He and his fellow JA classmates worked at WBEN-TV, Channel 4 where they had their own TV company called JACOM. The JA students had great role models such as Bill Peters (also known as "Norman Oklahoma" and "Santa"). Norm really enjoyed marketing their product, an interview format TV show.  The JA students interviewed various public individuals on a set, including the Fire Commissioner from the City of Buffalo. Running this program involved selling commercials, as well as shares of stock to family & friends. One of Norm’s responsibilities included taking photos of the sponsors for these commercials. Perhaps it was just this very experience that set the camera rolling on Norm’s career! JA is proud of all of Norm’s achievements and we wish him continued success.

ANDREW JOHNSON
Ceramic potholders and plate warmers are not exactly what one would call marketing blockbusters, but for Andrew Johnson, JA volunteer and alum, marketing and selling these products was enough to steer his interests towards the business world.  While attending high school in Hamilton, Ontario, Andrew participated in JA throughout grades nine and ten.  While involved, JA volunteers and advisors led him through his company’s “numbers” and sparked Andrew’s interest in accounting and sales.  Currently, Andrew is the CPA and president of Sherex Industries.  With his success, he has proven that participation in Junior Achievement really pays off.

DAVID STRAITIFF
To David Straitiff, Junior Achievement was, “the foundation of his whole entrepreneurial experience.”  David was actively involved with JA’s Company Program at Orchard Park High School.  During this time, David held many important leadership roles including vice-chair of the Achiever’s Association student board and president of his company.  He also won several honors including the Executive Award while a member of JA. 

An entrepreneur himself, David credits JA for teaching him about the basics of business.  David has started several companies of his own including Voice Technologies Group, Syriniex Communications, as well as his latest company, Intuitek.  For David Straitiff what began as an optional after-school activity blossomed into a flourishing business career.