JROTC Teaches Junior Achievement to Elementary Students
December 8, 2022
The JROTC program conducted their annual Junior Achievement service project on December 7, which they have been doing for over 20 years. The Raider Brigade sent 260 cadets to teach the elementary school Junior Achievement curriculum to students in Kindergarten through 5th grade at Highland Elementary, The Heights, and Hazel Park Elementary.
As part of the program, cadets worked in teams of about seven cadets. The students had the opportunity to put much of what they learn in JROTC class and lab into action as they planned for the project; developing lessons plans; serving as leaders, managers, supervisors and followers; conducting rehearsals; and standing up and speaking in front of others. The Raiders served as role models and inspirations for other young people in our city as they demonstrated CDH and Army Values at work.
"This service project has a profound impact on our cadets. It gives them a sense of responsibility to prepare their lessons. It shows them the wonder and awe little kids have for them and what it is like to be a teacher for a day," explained Sergeant Major David Berrisford '81, Army Instructor '81. "They learn how important and fulfilling it is to give to the community and serve as role models and inspirations for other young people in our city."
The Junior Achievement curriculum is centered around teaching elementary kids the basics of knowing themselves, their families, their community, their city, their region, and their nation. They look at how first responders interact in the community and how people learn to work, earn money, run businesses, and be a part of the fabric of our country.
"This event was cancelled the last two years due to COVID, so it was great to get back out there with the kids!" said Berrisford.
Will Guion '25 thought the day was organized and went really well. "The kids were super excited and happy to have us there. I had the 5th graders and they were good listeners. We had a lot of fun and I would definitely do it again."
This was the last year of Junior Achievement for Paris Edwards '23. "I was very excited to have Junior Achievement back this year. My group members and I were given the opportunity to teach kindergarteners. We had the challenge to prepare creative and engaging lessons that will not only teach but provide fun and exciting experiences for our students. I was honored to be a role model for the youth in my community."
