One Seneca Valley sixth grader battled her nerves in a speech at a campaign kickoff event for Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania Wednesday morning, in the Eatery of the Butler County Vocational-Technical School.

Ashley Borland received a standing ovation and many in attendance praised her afterward for her courage. The student said it was her first time speaking to a room full of adults, rather than her own peers.

“I've talked once or twice before, but not in front of so many people,” she said.

Despite a shaky start, Ashley persevered and talked about the different things she's learned and the projects she's worked on through Junior Achievement.

“Junior Achievement teaches you about what job you're going to do in the future,” Ashley said.

As Ashley continued her speech, she gained confidence, flow and even ignored a loud banging sound that burst from the kitchen midspeech.

“I did better than I was expecting myself to do,” Ashley said. “I felt better about myself.”

Renee Uram, the organization's campaign chairman, said Ashley gained experience in public speaking, which epitomizes what the organization tries to do for children.

“A lot of people aren't familiar with the program,” Uram said.

Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania is a volunteer effort that helps children from kindergarten to 12th grade develop workforce skills, entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

The program served more than 3,500 Butler County students last year.

Board member Dave Rugabar said the program helps groom the next generation of workers in new and upcoming industries.

“You don't start the day people graduate,” he said. “You have to start early.”

After sharing a promotional video, Rugabar said the program has grown and will continue to grow with good community support and plenty of volunteers.

“This is how Junior Achievement moves forward,” he said.

Ashley said the program has helped broaden her own horizons, and she feels more confident and capable of reaching her goals in the future.

“When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher. After Junior Achievement, I realize I have so many more options.”