LITTLE ROCK (May 8, 2012) - Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to educating students in grades K-12 about entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs.
Junior Achievement of Arkansas will honor Governor Mike Beebe on Thursday, May 10th at its annual Legacy Award Business Luncheon.
"We are excited to have Governor Beebe as our honoree for this special 25th anniversary celebration," says Sheffield Nelson, founder of Junior Achievement of Arkansas, former Legacy Award recipient, and this year's event chairman. "The Governor has a long history of supporting education and business partnerships, which makes him an ideal choice for this honor," Nelson added.
The Legacy Award recognizes individuals who have displayed exceptional leadership in supporting academic excellence in Arkansas.
Past recipients include Ed Drilling, Walter Hussman, Jerry Jones, Mack McLarty, Dr. George K. Mitchell and Sheffield Nelson. The legacy that these founders and other JA business volunteers leave is a lasting benefit that students receive from Junior Achievement of Arkansas.
The Legacy Award Business Luncheon is the organization's largest annual event.
Junior Achievement is the only financial literacy program that is delivered by corporate and community volunteers, that provides relevant, hands-on experiences to give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship.
"Over the past three years, Junior Achievement of Arkansas has invested $1.5 million in Arkansas schools and an additional $3 million in volunteer services, making a total of $4.5 million invested during this time," says Chad Kauffman, president of Junior Achievement of Arkansas. "The Legacy Award is a chance for us to recognize those who have done so much for the young people of our state."
The event will also recognize Windstream for its continued support of Junior Achievement.
"As an organization committed to financial literacy, Windstream employees are keenly aware of the critical role early education plays in creating a generation of knowledgeable consumers," says John Eichler, vice president and controller for Windstream. "Junior Achievement programs are one of the best ways to reach not only young people, but also their families, as we know that the students go home and share what they have learned in class."
Tickets and tables for this year's event are available through Junior Achievement's local office. Those interested in attending should call (501) 280-9118 or email ckauffman@jaark.org.
(Source: Junior Achievement)