Riedel Foundation helps bring Junior Achievement program to Hannibal schools

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Trustees of the George H. Riedel Foundation recently awarded a $9,000 grant for the Junior Achievement program to be presented in Hannibal schools for the upcoming school year.

About 1,200 students will benefit with JA being offered at the grade school level at Oakwood Elementary, Mark Twain Elementary and St. John’s Lutheran School. It also will be offered to eighth graders at Hannibal Middle School and the freshman class at Hannibal High School.

For middle and high school students, the JA program focuses on both money and work readiness. JA attempts to match a student’s skills and interests with possible career paths available. For the younger grades, JA teaches the financial basics like checking and savings, credit and debit cards and distinguishing needs versus wants.

“Our programs at the elementary school level seek to build a better base of financial literacy for the youth of Hannibal,” JA district manager Taylor Rakers said in a press release. “Money impacts every single person, no matter how young or old. Having a better understanding of money leads people to make better financial decisions.”

The Riedel Foundation brought Junior Achievement last year to Hannibal schools, reaching 1,000 students.

The Riedel Foundation is named for its benefactor, George H. Riedel, president of F&M Bank for many years.

“George Riedel was first and foremost a businessman,” Riedel Foundation lead trustee Michael Bukstein said. “It’s fitting that his legacy is helping Hannibal children learn more about finances. It’s knowledge they’ll need their whole lives.”

The Junior Achievement program is taught largely by volunteers within the community.