TOPEKA (KSNT) — Local business leaders and students were recognized Thursday night as Junior Achievement of Topeka hosted its annual Topeka Business Hall of Fame ceremony.
Eight people were honored during the event. Four professionals were inducted into the Hall of Fame — recognized not only for their business success but also for their commitment to the community through volunteer work with the Junior Achievement program.
This year’s professional inductees include:
- Allan Towle, Heritage Bank
- Dr. Bette Morris, Morris Family Company
- John A. McGivern, J.F. McGivern Inc.
- Hoyt Moore, Hoyt’s Truck Center (honored posthumously)
Four students who have participated in the program were also recognized for their efforts and leadership.
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One of those students, Maricruz Merriweather, is working to bring the program to schools that don’t currently offer it including Topeka High School.
“The reason that I wanted it to happen so badly is because I have two little sisters… and they’re kind of seeing how the world is unfolding. There’s a certain confidence that’s hard to teach and hard to learn, and Junior Achievement fills that gap,” Merriweather said.
The Junior Achievement program relies on volunteers who teach students financial literacy and leadership skills, while also helping them build confidence. Through the program, organizers say today’s professionals are helping guide the next generation of leaders.
KSNT27News is a proud sponsor of the Junior Achievement Topeka Hall of Fame.
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