Jackson FBLA members who took part in Wednesday's National Shadowing Day activities. Jackson USA Signal/Mark Evans

Some 70 students visited 20 area businesses last week, as part of the Jackson High School Future Business Leaders of America's Shadow Week.

Wednesday, designated National Shadowing Day, saw most of the participants meet for lunch at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce office, as the morning shadowers and the afternoon group changed shifts.

"I think everybody is enjoying themselves," said FBLA member Emily Unverferth, who helped organize the three-day event. "It was a lot of hard work, but it was worth it. It was a good project to be part of."

"It gives them the opportunity to go out to businesses and see how the business world works," added Melinda Burnett, who worked with Unverferth in putting the event together.

Students visited hospitals, the Jackson Fire House, a circuit court trial and various area businesses, getting a first-hand look at what each occupation is like.

FBLA, with some 220 members, is the largest organization at JHS. Becky Riney, who sponsors the club, along with Kathy Hecht, noted that a point system is used, to reward the most dependable FBLA members with projects like shadowing.

"We have a potion system, with meetings, service projects and other activities counting," Riney said. "You needed 15 of 45 possible point to qualify. It's a reward to the members who have been active and working hard for us."

The group that attended a circuit court trial, in which a wife is suing her estranged husband for injuries occurred in a car wreck in Cape Girardeau, was especially excited.

"It was the best thing I've seen in a long time," Shelly Stover said. "It was really exciting. I had never seen how things work in court. I want to go back."

"It was neat to see the real thing, rather than the trials you see on TV, like Judge Judy or The People's Court," added Julie Gerecke.

"We got really curious and went to the intersection of the wreck to do our own investigation," said Josh Pfefferkorn.

Marci Myracle went to the Bank of Missouri.

"I really enjoyed it," she said. "I got to see the loan side of banking. It was neat to see how it works."

"It was a good experience," Amanda Bollinger said of her visit to the Jackson Fire House. "We got to do a lot of different things. We talked about a lot of administrative stuff with the chief, like what he does during the day. They ere also looking at a new truck."

Ambulance and paramedic personnel also visited the fire house and spoke to the students.

"I got to see a lady get stitches," said Kelly Shields, who visited the emergency room at St. Francis Medical center. "That was the only emergency we had."

"We really appreciate what you do and the ideals you have," Ken Parrett, executive director of the Jackson Chamber told the FBLA members. "We both want to see the business community continue to grow and improve."

Parrett believes the shadowing program is a positive addition.

"You see a skill and, if nothing else, come back talking about it," he said. "It give you an idea of what various people do and hopefully may gives you an idea of what direction you want to take in life.

"It not only makes you better, it makes that business leader be better, when he knows you're coming."