Fifth graders at Saint Benedict the Moor School learned from a simulated workplace through BiZTown, a hands-on learning lab sponsored by Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania. The students prepared for the “work day” visit by learning to make budgets, write checks and balance bank accounts.

At BizTown, they participated in business and community simulations, including managing banks and restaurants, and voting for the mayor. They built, bought and sold items, seeking profits for their companies.“Having our own offices and my own job for the day was awesome!” said fifth grader Chantz Hightower.

“These types of real-world experiences are the kinds of lessons students will remember later in life,” said Kayla Edwards, lead administrator at Saint Benedict the Moor.

For more than 20 years, hundreds of volunteers from Serra Catholic High School have supported Young People Who Care, a ministry for those living in poverty in rural Clearfield County, Pa. This past year, a group of students and faculty brought loads of presents to the mission and distributed packages to more than 80 needy families. The Serra Catholic High School 2023 commencement address will be given by Sister Suzanne Thibault, youth director of the ministry.Sister Suzanne’s “daily life resembles many qualities of Saint Francis and her words will certainly reflect the mission of Serra and inspire its next class of graduates,” said Tim Chirdon, president of Serra Catholi