JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF GREATER ST. LOUIS NAMES RON KRUSZEWSKI OF STIFEL AND JOHNNY MORRIS OF BASS PRO SHOPS AS 2023 JA BUSINESS HALL OF FAME LAUREATES

At JA’s Business Hall of Fame event on May 18th, Kruszewski and Morris were recognized for their dedication and commitment to our communities.   JA students were an integral part of the show and emceed the event.

JA President & CEO Lori Jacob said, “Ron and Johnny are positive role models for students, and their legacy will continue through Junior Achievement.”

During this event, Dr. Paula Knight, Superintendent of Jennings Schools, shared the value of Junior Achievement programs for all students.  Dr. Knight was in JA as a student and expressed the positive impact JA had in her life.

JA president & CEO Lori Jacob shared with the audience that Junior Achievement gives kids the skills and mindset to build thriving communities.  This is accomplished by reaching students every year of their education from kindergarten through high school with programs taught by role model volunteers, where students learn how to manage money, gain entrepreneurial skills and are prepared for the workforce.  Our communities will be better with less poverty, thriving businesses, better mental health and gaining workers who are excited and eager to work.

JA had a study conducted by a team at Washington University with our JA Alumni that shows how the impact of Junior Achievement is lasting…

• 98% of JA Alumni are confident in managing their money
• 40% are involved in business ownership
• 1 out of 3 JA Alumni work in the same job as their volunteer
• AND 97% are satisfied with their career, which aligns with better mental health...and physical health. 

Junior Achievement exists to make lives and our communities better and is able to achieve this through the partnership of the business and education communities. 

Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis (JASTL) was founded in 1943, it is the 3rd largest JA operation out of 102 in our Nation. Encompassing 143 counties in Missouri, southern Illinois, and parts of Indiana, JASTL served over 150,000 K-12 students during the 2021-2022 school year. JA programs are offered to all students in these communities. For more information, visit www.jastl.org. 

Highlights of who we are at Junior Achievement of Greater St. Louis:

1. We have fun and are passionate about our mission
2. We are the 3rd largest JA operation in the Nation out of 102
3. We reached over 150,000 students last year
4. We have won multiple awards for innovation
5. We are a 2023 Nobel peace prize nominee worldwide
6. We own our JA building – which means the financial support we get goes directly to our students
7. We designed many programs locally that are now being used nation-wide 
8. We have very little turn-over with our team
9. We are currently building out JA Trades...a program that is going to reach thousands of students who will learn the benefits of jobs in trades. 

Photos included: 

• Junior Achievement students welcoming guests (Bhof kids)
• JA Business Hall of Fame Laureate reception guests. Photographed from left to right:  Paul Cox, Kevin & Alaina Maliszewski and wife, Dedric Carter, Jack & Stacey Thurman, Tony & Lisa Dorn, Johnny and Jeanie Morris, Bob Chapman, Mike & Debby Deniszczuk, Bob & Kim Brinkmann, Chris & Amie Jones, Jim & Lisa Curran, Jim & Erin Runnels, Mike & Lori Jacob, Gene & Cindy Morgenthaler. (DSC_0053)

Laureate videos shown at event:  Ron Kruszewski and Johnny Morris

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Media Contacts:

Cathi Graham

636-728-0707
cgraham@jastl.org

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