Making an Impact: Being a JA Mentor Goes Beyond the Classroom

Author: Abby Rioux
Community Involvement
Published: Thursday, 04 Nov 2021

Sharing

Image caption: Hilary volunteering with Angela's 4th graders

At Congin School in Westbrook, nearly every elementary teacher receives a JA program each school year. One of the longest partnerships at the school, and across Maine is between a 4th grade teacher, Angella Pecoraro, and JA Mentor Hilary Rapkin of WEX Inc. The two started out as a random program match and have since brought JA programming to Angela's 4th graders for 14 straight years.

"I continue to volunteer for Junior Achievement because I believe in the importance of supporting our communities and helping to make them stronger," Hilary says, "I am hopeful that the children that I teach are motivated to explore opportunities outside of their comfort zone. Going into the classroom weekly for 6 weeks helps ground me - it reminds me that my busy corporate universe is only PART of the universe!

For 14 years now I have been volunteering with Angela Peccoraro. She has such a deep understanding of her students, and cares so much about helping them learn and succeed in life. She imparts all of her knowledge in a way that is so infectious to be around. She guides me, she entertains me, she supports me, and she is such a wonderful role model for her students. It has been a wonderful partnership and friendship, and I'm confident it will continue for many more years".

Image caption: Angela and Hilary

Hilary will return to Angela's 4th grade class in the near future to deliver the program, 'JA Our Region,' teaching students about entrepreneurship and how entrepreneurs use resources to produce goods and services in a region.

Angela & Hilary have become close friends, even sharing Holiday cards and family stories. The connection they have made through JA has inspired other volunteers to join local classrooms and share their experiences with students and educators across the state.

Check out Hilary's speech about her experience being a JA Mentor HERE!

Learn more about how you can make an impact as a JA Mentor HERE!