Members of Junior Achievement Company Ke Kumu Ike hand made four products including koa bookmarks. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

MEDIA RELEASE

Nearly 100 students from East Hawaii high schools are set to market their hand-made gifts at the Junior Achievement Trade Fair.

The event is 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26 and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27 at Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo.

Holiday shoppers looking for unique items will find a variety at the Trade Fair. Some of the many items made and marketed by the students include koa bookmarks, cookie baking kits, T-shirts, hats, greeting cards, coffee packages, Christmas stockings, coupon books, calendars and koa tree ornaments.

The students are formed into six Junior Achievement “companies” that have been in operation since September.

The companies are:

* Big Island Goods, sponsored by HELCO
* F.A.S.T. (Forever All Standing Together), advised by UH Hilo students
* Ke Kumu Ike, sponsored by Bank of Hawaii
* Ka ike, sponsored by HPM Building Supply
* F.L.O.H. (Future Leaders of Hawaii), sponsored by HFS Federal Credit Union
* U Like?, sponsored by Big Island Toyota

The only one of its kind in the state, the JA High School Company Program provides students the opportunity after school to learn business by doing. Each company is comprised of 18 to 25 high school students from East Hawaii high schools.

Lead by their student management team and advised by volunteers from local businesses, the companies select company names, design, produce and market products, account for expenses and revenues, manage human resources, create business plans, and learn other practical business skills after school from September through December.

Company and individual prizes are awarded in January based on results.

The company program is one of several programs offered by JA of Hawaii Island (JAHI) to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Last year, JAHI serviced more than 3,000 East Hawaii students.

For information about Junior Achievement programs on the Big Island, contact Susan Labrenz, district manager at JA-Susan@hawaii.rr.com.

Members of Junior Achievement Company Ke Kumu Ike prepare “create your own cookbooks,” which will be on sale at the JA Trade Fair at Prince Kuhio Plaza. (Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)