State Commerce Commissioner Visits Jackson Elementary

As Financial Literacy Month continues, Minnesota State Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman visited in Shakopee this morning. He visited to emphasize the importance of volunteerism in schools, and sharing financial skills and knowledge with Minnesota youth.

He met with 87-year-old retired engineer Ed Barnett, who has volunteered in Minnesota schools for the past ten years teaching students the importance of saving money. At the end of this school year, Ed – who was recently named Junior Achievement Volunteer of the Month – will have volunteered at four different schools interacting with students in over 30 classrooms.

Rothman followed Barnett, known to the students as "Mr. Ed," to two second grade classes, where he taught students about finances – through exercises involving play money and stickers, and having students follow along to a rap song about money. Both lessons came from Junior Achievement programs.