JAES President Wins Prestigious Award

Jayme Hayes is 2023 Charles R. Hook Award Winner

Author: Leigh Yanus
Corporate Responsibility
Published: Thursday, 10 Aug 2023

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Image caption: JAES President, Jayme Hayes (left) and President and CEO of JA USA, Jack E. Kosakowski

Jayme Hayes, esteemed president of Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JAES), has been honored with the highly regarded Junior Achievement USA® (JA) Charles R. Hook Award. This esteemed recognition is presented annually to a JA Area president who exhibits exceptional achievements in fostering the growth and development of Junior Achievement. Hayes was bestowed with this esteemed accolade during the Junior Achievement USA National Leadership Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky, on July 24-27, 2023, triumphing over other notable finalists.

In response to receiving this distinguished award, Hayes remarked, "I am extremely humbled to receive such an award, and am honored to stand alongside the amazing men and women of Junior Achievement in working to serve our young people. To my talented staff, devoted board members, munificent donors, and exemplary partners, none of this would be possible without you. Preparing our students to succeed will ensure a brighter world for all, and I have been beyond blessed to work for such an impactful and empowering organization for the last 16 years."

The Charles R. Hook Award serves as a tribute to Charles R. Hook, the former president and chairman of Junior Achievement during the 1940s and 1950s. Under Hook's visionary leadership, Junior Achievement transitioned from a regional initiative in the northeastern United States to a flourishing national organization.

The growth and prosperity achieved by JAES under the inspiring leadership and guidance of Jayme Hayes has been remarkable. Through Last Hayes's unwavering dedication, strategic direction, and tireless efforts, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore experienced unprecedented expansion and progress. This exceptional growth exemplifies the mission of Junior Achievement, as students are empowered to bridge the gap between classroom education and real-world application.

In recognition of Hayes's extraordinary accomplishments, Jack E. Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA, expressed his admiration, stating, "Jayme's achievements are an inspiring model for all JA leaders, as we advance our mission of equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Jayme exemplifies the essence of Junior Achievement and has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the triumph and expansion of our organization. It is with immense pride that we honor her with this esteemed award."

It is because of Hayes's efforts and commitment that JAES will be opening a brand new 25,000-square-foot facility in Salisbury, MD in the fall of 2023 - the Perdue Henson Junior Achievement Center. This center will welcome 10,000+ students annually from across the Eastern Shore and will include immersive learning experiences through JA Finance Park and JA BizTown, two core programs that are designed to provide real-life scenarios. Pairing these in-classroom curriculums with hands-on learning experiences will expand upon the JAES mission to teach students of the Eastern Shore how to be financially independent, have an entrepreneurial mindset, and be knowledgeable of their options and resources for entering the workforce.