Avon Students to be featured at Junior Achievement “Partners in Achievement” Breakfast

On Friday, May 17, a group of about a dozen 5th and 6th grade students from the Thompson Brook School in Avon will be among the featured ambassadors at the 10th Annual Partners in Achievement Breakfast to support the financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship programs of Junior Achievement.   

The popular event, which was attended last year by more than 300 guests, will be held at the Hartford Marriott Downtown from 7:15-9:00 AM, and brings together business leaders from throughout the region, volunteers and students who have participated in JA programs.  

The students will be highlighting their personal experiences with JA in talking with business and community leaders throughout the morning.  In addition, local educators and volunteers will relate the importance of JA in empowering students and providing a solid foundation of financial literacy knowledge that is essential for future success.  

Thompson Brook School is among a growing number of schools that is utilizing JA curriculum and volunteer instructors to bring financial education to their students.  Some students also attended JA’s annual “More Than Money” conference for 5th grade students from across Connecticut, held at Aetna last fall.

Thompson Brook sixth grader Stella Galli will serve as emcee for the entire May 17 program, in addition to relating her JA experiences.  "In JA, I learned how to start a business, which was really fun!"

Thanks in part to the funds raised at last year’s Partners in Achievement event, the number of students reached in this region eclipsed 34,000 for the first time last year, and the number of schools with JA programs surpassed 165, the most in the history of JA of Southwest New England.  As interest in the JA curriculum continues to grow, more schools are now seeking JA programs than there are volunteers to deliver them.

JA’s Partners in Achievement breakfast is a fundraising event that supports JA’s financial education programs in the schools.  Though the breakfast is free to attend, guests will be asked to make a financial contribution.  The annual event has become one of Hartford’s best opportunities to network with the region’s business leaders and to be inspired by students, educators and volunteers who have all experienced JA programs.

 In addition to the Avon students, 7th and 8th graders from Pulaski Middle School in New Britain will be on hand, as well as high school students from Hall High School in West Hartford and East Hartford High School who are currently participating in the JA Entrepreneurial Academy, a new 15-week afterschool program taking place at The Hartford.

To RSVP for the Partners in Achievement breakfast on May 17 please contact Jeremy Race at jrace@jaconn.org or 860-525-4510 x225.  To learn more about the JA, visit www.jaconn.net.