Riedel Foundation funds upcoming Junior Achievement program for 900 Hannibal students

HANNIBAL, Mo. — An $18,000 Riedel Foundation grant will bring the Junior Achievement program to approximately 250 students who attend Oakwood Elementary and the 400 students at Mark Twain Elementary this school year. It also will cover the cost of a career fair for 250 students at Hannibal Middle School.

Hannibal resident J.R. Bareis, a board member and volunteer for Junior Achievement, said in a press release, “Our aim is to teach financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship starting at a young age, bringing awareness and laying the foundation for skills they’ll need to succeed in the future. What I really love about JA is that we bring in volunteers from local businesses who mentor and teach with practical, hands-on activities.”

As the elementary school children progress through the JA curriculum, they move on in their middle school years to the career fair. The students build on concepts learned in the elementary program to help them make decisions that lie ahead about their educational and professional future.

Riedel Foundation lead trustee Dr. Michael Bukstein said the grant fits in well with the spirit of the Riedel legacy.

“As a banker, George Riedel had a natural interest in finance,” Bukstein said. “He also wanted his trust fund to benefit the children of Hannibal. The Junior Achievement program brings both of Mr. Riedel’s major interests together, making this a perfect fit for a substantial grant award.”

Mr. Riedel and his father were directors of F&M Bank for a combined 90 years. Since it was established in 2000, the Riedel Foundation has awarded more than $6 million dollars to nonprofit agencies that serve Hannibal.