Although he wasn't being paid, the fifth grader at Intermountain Christian School in Holladay was expected to carry out his duties as a professional at the new Junior Achievement miniature municipality exhibit in downtown Salt Lake City's Discovery Gateway Museum.

The 10,000-square-foot faux municipality, which opened in February, has the feel of an actual community with a government center and businesses sponsored by real companies. Students along the Wasatch Front go there with their classes to get hands-on career experiences through the national program, the world's largest business-education partnership aimed at ensuring children understand the free enterprise system.

"It was very stressful," said Laakso of being an adult for a day. "But it was helpful because it teaches what you have to do to get forward and get a job" - and stay off the streets, he added.

Laakso and about 30 other Junior Achievement students attended the group's 22nd Annual Governor's Breakfast on Wednesday, which took place at the museum and EnergySolutions Arena. This year, Junior Achievement is expected to reach more than 53,500 kindergarten through 12th grade students who are guided by about 3,000 volunteers.

"To me, Junior Achievement prepares our young kids so they can get a head start on their goals and aspirations," Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said. "They are exposed to different careers, and they're being forced to think in professional terms."

Students receive classroom instruction and outside opportunities. During fifth grade, students visit the Discovery Gateway city and have to apply for jobs and work for a day.

Victoria Covey, an 11-year-old who attends Mountainville Academy in Alpine, managed the JA Restaurant earlier this month and said she loved being in charge.

"I made sure everyone was doing their job and the customers were happy," she said.

Covey discovered that she works well with others - a necessity for her future goal of becoming a nurse, she believes.

In eighth grade, students learn how to manage their personal finances by balancing checkbooks, paying taxes and planning budgets that include transportation and household expenses.

"Most of them choose a sports car at first and then realize they can't afford one," said Lindsie Smith, the program's director of marketing and communications.

Aubri Tyler, 14, an eighth grader at Hillcrest Junior High School in Murray, learned valuable lessons from the financial management curriculum.

"I got to learn how to be independent and about personal responsibility," she said. "It was amazing to see all the sponsors because they care about us and know we are the future."

Junior Achievement relies on donations from businesses, foundations and individuals and holds fundraising events.

In touting the program, Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller, a member of the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame, became emotional and wept as he recited a poem about choosing the right path in life.

"I think there's a reward for all of us adults as well," he said. It "gives a sign of hope in where our society is going when we can see these young people."

chamilton@sltrib.com