The Pequannock High School FBLA Chapter Participates in JA’s “High School Heroes” Program

98 Pequannock Township High School students went to the three respective Pequannock elementary schools—Hillview, North Boulevard, and Stephen J. Gerace—through the Pequannock High School FBLA Chapter’s annual “High School Heroes” Program.

FBLA Pequannock Chapter Advisor Elliot Honig commented, “After last year’s pilot run, we knew that it was something that we wanted to bring to every elementary school student in the district this year. Thankfully with the cooperation of our elementary principals and their amazing staff we were able to pull it off. I know that it is something that my students are going to remember well past their time here in high school. I am so proud of each of them for what they accomplished.”

Pequannock Future Business Leaders of America, which has 186 members, strives to engage in initiatives business, education, and leadership together through community programs. Partnering with New Jersey Junior Achievement, PTHS FBLA members reached over 863 students across 43 elementary school classes.  

According to Junior Achievement’s website, “High School Heroes program is a service learning project that provides high school students the opportunity to become role models by teaching and empowering elementary students within their school district. High School Heroes work in teams to mentor students with hands-on, interactive lessons to students centered around work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.”

Pequannock FBLA was exhilarated at the thought of interacting with elementary school students and revisiting their old elementary schools. Participating students were placed in groups and pairs; each received a bag full of educational materials exploring personal finance, entrepreneurship, and career readiness, preparing them to succeed in a global economy.

On the day of “High School Heroes,” all participants met in the Pequannock High School cafeteria after first period. After a series of instructions and motivation from Advisor Elliot Honig, students made their way onto their assigned buses and arrived at their designated elementary school. Within their classrooms, the high school students went through their subject matter and ensured the elementary school children’s understanding through discussions and educational games. The high school students received a break for lunch where they gathered and ate pizza. Shortly after this break, students returned to the high school, aglow from the experience. Some students even reported that their time in the classroom through “High School Heroes” made their aspirations of becoming a teacher concrete.