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Junior Achievement in Lafourche Parish

Army JROTC cadets from Thibodaux High School have made a positive impact in the lives of younger students at Thibodaux Elementary School and East Thibodaux Junior High.  Pictured above is Major James Hanks, and just some of his participating cadets, from left to right, C/LTC Brittney Holmes, C/2LT Andre'a Folse, C/SGT Rahshanika Thomas, C/1LT Bridget Melancon, C/MAJ Brittnie Landry and C/CSM Anjannette Johnson.  They are in the 8th grade classroom of East Thibodaux Jr. High's Marcie Clement.  Ms. Clement's students participated in JA Economics for Success.  JA Economics for Success explores personal finance and students’ education and career options based on their skills, interests, and values (see a video introduction).  Students were especially excited as they performed skits to demonstrate their understanding of health insurance, (see accompanying photos).  Ms. Clement commented that JA Economics for Success fits in extremely well with Lafourche Parish educational guidelines as eight grade students are first introduced to the idea that they should be thinking about continuing education and careers.

Besides teaching important skills to students in Lafourche Parish, the JROTC cadets also served as great role models.  The cadets are top-notch students who have their lives in order.  For instance, we asked the cadets what their future plans were after high school, and everyone was prepared.  Holmes is interested in physical therapy and the military, Folse forensic science, Thomas the medical field and military, Melancon teaching, Landry radiology, and Johnson interior design.  "Being involved with the kids is awesome," comments Landry.  "We and the kids get to see the reality of it all... real life after high school," adds Holmes.  The cadets also mentioned that teaching JA is not difficult and the kids are very interested in the program because of the activities and games.

Also in Lafourche Parish this year, young people in a KidCam Summer Camp participated in Junior Achievement activities.  In total, Junior Achievement will impact 500 Lafourche kids this year.

To volunteer in Lafourche Parish, please contact Chris Sommers (504) 569-8672.