As always, the 2006/2007 school year was a great one with more than 45,000 students receiving JA programming. We were able to reach this goal because of the performance of so many individuals that are involved with JA in Middle Tennessee. At our recent annual Board meeting, we announced the recipients of this year's Junior Achievement Worldwide Bronze and Silver Leadership Awards. These awards are bestowed upon individuals demonstrating outstanding leadership throughout JA, including volunteering, funding, and development. I would like to congratulate all of these award recipients. Thank you for all of your hard work!

Bronze Leadership Award Recipients:

·          Jim Mallon of AIG American General for demonstrating excellence in Board of Directors leadership and support

·          Dave Fulmer of Publix Super Markets for leading his organization to a 47% increase in volunteerism this year

·          Celia Jolly of Stratford Comprehensive High School for being Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee's 2007 Teacher of the Year

·          Nancy Goins of Caterpillar Financial for being Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee's 2007 Volunteer of the Year

Silver Leadership Award Recipients:

·          Marvin Shotts of Square D/Schneider Electric for leading his team to a 345% increase in volunteerism this year. Marvin received a Bronze Leadership Award in 2006.

·          Lucy Carter of Carter, Lankford CPAs for Board of Directors leadership and for participating in all of JA's events this year. Lucy received a Bronze Leadership Award in 2003.

Each year, fall brings us cooler weather, changing leaves, football, and students back in classes.  For Junior Achievement, it also brings amazing volunteers who bravely stand in front of classrooms and provide these young people with programs about financial literacy that can change lives.   And if you find yourself asking why this is important, remember that in 2004 more people filed for bankruptcy than graduated from college.  And that more teenagers have credit cards than savings accounts.  We owe it to the next generation to help them be successful and Junior Achievement has all the tools these young people need to be productive and successful members of a global economy.

 On Monday, October 1^st, the Tennessean ran an article called "Taking your favorite charity to work" in the LIVING section.  And this month, JA is encouraging you to do just that.  We ask that you talk about your experience with JA, talk about your students and the lessons you are teaching.  Talk about your involvement in events and that your financial contribution is making a difference in Middle Tennessee.  Then help others find a way to inform, invest in, and inspire the young people in our community.