Students from Tyler Legacy High School traded their regular classrooms for those at Owens Elementary on the Friday before Thanksgiving Break, spending the day teaching financial literacy as part of the Junior Achievement High School Heroes program. The initiative, designed to pair older students with younger learners, brought energy, leadership, and real-world lessons to Owens’ classrooms.
Throughout the day, high school volunteers led age-appropriate Junior Achievement activities focused on saving, budgeting, entrepreneurship, and the basics of smart financial decision-making. Armed with interactive games, stories, and hands-on materials, the Tyler Legacy students helped elementary learners understand fundamental money concepts in a fun and relatable way.
Teachers at Owens Elementary praised the impact of the program, noting that students were highly engaged and excited to learn from older role models. “Our kids look up to high schoolers,” one teacher said. “Seeing them teach and lead makes these lessons feel real.”
Tyler Legacy students also gained from the experience, many describing it as rewarding and eye-opening. Several said the opportunity strengthened their communication skills and deepened their appreciation for giving back to the community.
Junior Achievement representatives called the event a success and hope to continue building partnerships that inspire lifelong financial confidence in young students.
