CAMBRIDGE – Jayme Hayes, president of Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore, spoke to the Rotary Club of Cambridge about the works of Junior Achievement and how they have impacted Dorchester County. The Organization covers Talbot, Dorchester, Caroline, Wicomico, Somerset and Worcester counties.

“Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore is a nonprofit dedicated to educating youth in grades k-12 in both public and private schools on financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. Our hands on using, age appropriate programs inspire youth to live within their means, prepare for the world of work and understand the free enterprise system.”

The information is brought into the schools by community volunteers, many of whom have specialties is various areas. The programs are not to take the place of what the students are studying but, rather, an enhancement, bringing real life experiences to the classroom.

Jayme shared that last year 432 students were served in Dorchester County in 18 different classrooms. Volunteers donated almost 7,000 hours of their time to help provide the relevant information.

JA recently held a job fair bring students from the shore to Ocean City to meet with representatives from a large number of businesses to hear about job opportunities. Mrs. Hayes spoke about the planning of a bigger job fair being planned to serve even more Eastern Shore students.

Jayme is very involved in community organizations in the six-county area. Recently she was awarded the Karl Flemke Award through Junior Achievement USA. The Award is a national award recognizing Presidents for their inspirational leadership and growth. She said she is passionate about her community and education.

Joining Jayme at the meeting was Lisa Thornton, who works with the fundraising for Junior Achievement. Lisa spoke about one fun activity being planned at the Choptank Bowling Center in Cambridge on Nov. 13.