Bernal encourages involvement with Junior Achievement ...

Junior Achievement of Laredo helps students learn important lessons about the basics of economics, executive director Oralia Bernal said Tuesday.

Bernal, who spoke at the Noon Kiwanis Club meeting held at the Holiday Inn-Civic Center, said volunteers are sent out as teachers to grades ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade.

"Students at different grade levels learn about entrepreneurship, balancing checkbooks and saving money," she said.

Bernal said JA makes sure its curriculum falls in line with the Texas Essential Knowledge of Skills (TEKS).

"JA reinforces what students are learning and teachers are teaching," she said.
Any person can volunteer to become a teacher for Junior Achievement.

"There is a criminal background performed on each person before they go out and volunteer, though," Bernal said. "The background check is done through the Webb County Sheriff's Department, and we thank them for their support and help."

Each year, JA holds two fundraisers: a Bowl-a-Thon and the Laredo Business Hall of Fame.

Bernal said this school year, Junior Achievement of Laredo will be able to reach more than 9,000 students within the Laredo and United independent school districts. In the summer, JA programs go to the Laredo Public Library as well as the Sacred Heart Orphanage.

"We teach work-readiness," she said. "We're trying to make a difference in the community."

Before joining Junior Achievement of Laredo, which is part of Junior Achievement of South Texas, Bernal spent 23 years with the Boys and Girls Club.

As for being a volunteer and/or teacher with Junior Achievement of Laredo, she said, "It'll make a difference in your heart when you go out and teach."

For more information on Junior Achievement of Laredo, call Bernal at (956) 725-3464 or visit their website at www.jast.org.

-- Joe Rutland