Rutigliano, Kupchick, Hwang Talk Business with Local High Schoolers at Junior Achievement Competition
Hartford – State Representatives Dave Rutigliano (R-Trumbull) and Brenda Kupchick (R-Fairfield) had lunch last Friday with local high school students following Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut (JAWCT)’s 4th Annual High School Business Challenge in Fairfield. State Representative Tony Hwang (R-Trumbull & Fairfield) was also present in the morning to welcome the students to the Business Challenge competition.
Junior Achievement is an organization dedicated to educating students in grades K-12 about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. Their programs are taught by volunteers from the business community who partner with teachers in the classroom.
The Business Challenge, held at Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business, is a competition among teams from area high schools that asks students to make a series of business-related decisions in a business simulation program. Winners are determined based on the success of their virtual business after all decisions are made.
This year’s winning team was Fairfield Ludlowe High School, with whom Rep. Kupchick sat during lunch after the competition. Kupchick, who owns and operates a small business with her husband, congratulated the student team and lauded Junior Achievement for their programming.
From left to right: Rep. Kupchick, Billy Moeder, Isabel Chediak, teacher Tom Reindel, JAWCT President Bernadine Venditto, Brett Dammeyer, Evan MacGuffie, and Rep. Rutigliano.
“Junior Achievement educates and inspires young people to value free enterprise, business, and economics. The program teaches real life lessons to be successful. I admire the adults who give this opportunity to our young people,” said Rep. Kupchick.
Trumbull High School, who came in third place in last year’s competition, also participated this year. Rep. Rutigliano, who is a partner in a successful restaurant chain, sat with the team during lunch and talked about business and education.
“I am always impressed when I talk to students from Trumbull High,” Rutigliano said. “These kids are still determining where they want to go to college, but already have solid foundation on how to run a successful business, thanks in no small part to programs like the ones Junior Achievement offers. It was a pleasure to get to talk to them, answer some questions. I wish them future success in whatever they choose to do.”
Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut was founded in 1946, with its programs having reached nearly 300,000 students from its member communities. JAWCT raises its operating funds through foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, individual gifts, and special events like last week’s Business Challenge.
“In addition to the competition, the event fosters the interaction of students with elected officials, directors of the JAWCT board and other business professionals. We thank our partners – donors, volunteers and educators – for helping to make this event such a valuable experience for the students,” said Bernadine Venditto, President of Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut.