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Hook Award Recipient Announced |
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NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release JA OF SOUTH DAKOTA'S FIEGEN RECEIVES TOP NATIONAL HONOR Award given to U.S. JA president for student impact, organizational efficiency. Colorado Springs, Colo. – Kristie Fiegen, president of Junior Achievement of South Dakota, has been awarded the nonprofit organization's 2008 Charles R. Hook Award. The Hook Award is bestowed to one U.S. JA executive annually, and is the top honor for JA presidents who demonstrate superior results in promoting the growth and development of Junior Achievement in their area. The award was presented to Fiegen, accompanied by her husband and two sons, last Friday during the closing ceremony of Junior Achievement's Worldwide Leadership Conference in Miami Beach, Fla. Fiegen was one of five finalists for the 2008 Hook Award. Finalists were judged on their effectiveness in achieving impact, generating revenue, building sustainability, and improving efficiency. Finalists were also accountable for their actions in demonstrating JA's values of respect, integrity, and excellence. Candidates have at least 10 years of service to Junior Achievement and a minimum of five years as a JA president, including three years as the president of their current operation. "I am so pleased and honored to receive this award, which recognizes the efforts of a tremendous staff, volunteers and our board of directors," said Fiegen. "It is through their tireless work that JA is able to inspire and prepare thousands of South Dakota students to succeed through JA's entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy programs." Fiegen has been president of Junior Achievement of South Dakota since 1994. JA of South Dakota reached more than 37,000 during the 07-08 school year. During Fiegen's tenure, Junior Achievement of South Dakota's market share has grown from 2 percent to more than 28 percent. "Kristie's efforts throughout her JA career have been exceptional," said Sean C. Rush, president and chief executive officer of JA Worldwide. "The recipients of the Hook Award represent JA's 'best of the best,' and Kristie is truly deserving of this honor. Her work has meant a strong and successful operation in South Dakota, and I sincerely congratulate her on receiving this prestigious award." The Hook Award is named after Charles R. Hook, an industrialist who served as president and chairman of Junior Achievement during the 1940s and 1950s. Under Hook's leadership, Junior Achievement grew from a regional program in the northeastern U.S. into a national organization. About JA Worldwide® (Junior Achievement) -30-
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