Junior Achievement of the Bluegrass President is One of Six Finalists to be Nominated for the Prestigious Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement Award

July 12, 2023 (Lexington, KY) — Laurel Raimondo Martin, Ph.D., President of Junior Achievement (JA)
of the Bluegrass, has been selected as a finalist for the esteemed Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement
Award for 2023. This highly prestigious accolade is presented to first-time JA Area Presidents who have
demonstrated exceptional contributions and accomplishments within the organization. The award
ceremony will take place during the Junior Achievement USA® National Leadership Conference held in
Louisville, Kentucky, July 24-27, 2023. Laurel was selected, along with five other finalists, for this
distinguished national recognition.

Under Laurel’s leadership, JA of the Bluegrass has expanded programming in our 44 county service area
within Central and Eastern Kentucky; increased revenue by engaging new donors; and created an
enhanced workplace culture focused on teamwork and providing a comprehensive brand experience.

Expressing gratitude for being selected as a finalist for this award, Laurel said, "It’s humbling to receive
this recognition and be included in this inspiring group. Each finalist for this award is very accomplished
and passionate about JA’s mission to make a difference in the lives of young people. This nomination is
a reflection of our amazing staff; the JA of the Bluegrass Board of Directors; and our volunteers,
teachers, and administrators who are dedicated to enriching the lives of our students.”

Jack E. Kosakowski, president and CEO of Junior Achievement USA, said, “We are thrilled for Laurel
being a finalist for this well-deserved award, as her remarkable accomplishments serve as an inspiring
example for all emerging JA executives. At Junior Achievement, our mission is to empower students in bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world application. Laurel's achievements embody the spirit of our organization, and we are proud to recognize her significant contributions."

The Karl Flemke Pioneer Achievement Award pays tribute to the late Karl Flemke, who served as the
president of Junior Achievement Inc. from 1982 until his untimely passing in 1994.

About JA of the Bluegrass
We envision a world where young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. JA is
dedicated to educating students in 44 counties throughout Central and Eastern Kentucky about workforce
readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. Since 1963, JA of the
Bluegrass has been delivering JA learning experiences that help young people reach their potential. To learn more,
visit www.jalexington.org.

About Junior Achievement USA®
Junior Achievement is the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills
they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.
JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers and provide relevant, hands-on experiences
that give students from kindergarten through high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, work readiness,
and entrepreneurship. Today, JA reaches more than 3.3 million students per year in 102 markets across the United
States as part of 12.5 million students served by operations in more than 100 other countries worldwide. Junior
Achievement USA is a member of JA Worldwide. For more information, visit www.ja.org.

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