Jim and Margaret Perkins have been named the 2024 honorees of Junior Achievement (JA) of the Greater Tyler Area’s Business Hall of Fame Laureates, as announced on Friday at Tyler Junior College’s Board Room.
“Mr. and Mrs. Perkins have had a true focus in education and specifically financial literacy,” said Melissa Shanhouse, financial advisor and Junior Achievement board chair. “I’m just so thankful that they are here today and willing to represent and accept this Hall of Fame Award from Junior Achievement.”
Since its founding in 1919, Junior Achievement has aimed to educate and motivate young people about the importance of free enterprise, business, and economics to enhance their lives. As the largest nonprofit organization focused on economic education, JA provides hands-on learning experiences in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. These programs are facilitated by volunteers from the business community in the U.S. and over 103 countries.
This year, over 250 volunteers, including business professionals, parents, retirees, and high school students, will engage with Tyler-area schools to deliver JA programs. With their help, JA of Tyler plans to reach more than 7,300 local students during the 2024-25 school year. Since its establishment in 1988, JA of Tyler has positively impacted over 150,000 students.
“Junior Achievement is very important because so many students get the information from no other place except social media and their friends and so many bad actors are out there trying to separate students from their money,” Mrs. Perkins said. “It’s important that they know the dangers of debt and overspending and basic principles, which can make a lifelong difference in their success and happiness.”
Mr. Perkins, an attorney serving as president and chair of the board at Citizens 1st Bank, began practicing law in his hometown of Rusk. Meanwhile, Mrs. Perkins taught junior and senior high school English and History in the Maydelle ISD, located 10 miles away. When the school needed a librarian, she returned to school to earn a degree in Library Science and became the librarian for the junior high and high school during her second year. Education continues to be a focal point in her life.
“We’re very honored because we are impressed — and have been for years — with the approach Junior Achievement takes working with students from kindergarten through high school to teach them about being financially responsible and understanding financial literacy,” Mrs. Perkins said.
Margaret Perkins talks about the importance of financial literacy as she accepts the Junior Achievement’s Hall of Fame honor. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
To be considered as a laureate candidate for the Junior Achievement’s Business Hall of Fame, an individual or business must demonstrate a compelling record of leadership in both business and the community. This includes successful business achievements, personal integrity, and innovation within their industry. Additionally, candidates should have a proven track record of mentoring today’s youth, emphasizing the importance of the free enterprise system to improve their communities, and engaging in charitable activities that benefit the greater Tyler area. This recognition is given to honorees each year.
“We’ve had 34 wonderful leaders that have accepted a laureate the Hall of Fame Award and they’ve all been supporters of junior achievement and great leaders in the community so much again, focused on financial literacy or force readiness and entrepreneurship,” Shanhouse said.
Jim Perkins and his wife Margaret have been named the 2024 honorees of Junior Achievement (JA) of the Greater Tyler Area’s Business Hall of Fame. (Jennifer Scott/Tyler Morning Telegraph)
The Perkins are well-known figures who are often recognized for their significant contributions to the community and business sector. They have built a successful career in various business ventures and are active supporters of local initiatives, focusing on education, economic development, and philanthropy. Their dedication to community service and leadership has made them respected members of the East Texas community. They are often highlighted for their efforts to mentor young people and promote the values of free enterprise.
“For them to come here and accept the award is really inspiring and special because it’s important for us to maintain the integrity of our program,” Shanhouse said. “And to have an educator’s support is just amazing.”
Junior Achievement is eager to expand its reach, encouraging educators to take advantage of its free programs. Schools without JA can easily contact the organization to arrange for program delivery. The initiative aims to impact not just individual classrooms but also surrounding communities, fostering financial literacy and economic education for more students. For more information, visit their website: tyler.ja.org.
There will be a reception on March 20 to honor the Perkins as Junior Achievement of Greater Tyler’s Business Hall of Fame Laureates at the Willow Brook Country Club.
Karl Rove will serve as the keynote speaker for the upcoming Hall of Fame event. Rove, a seasoned political strategist and former Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, is a close personal friend of the Perkins.
“Margaret and James Perkins represent the best of Texas in America,” Rove said in a media statement. “They are the ultimate East Texas power couple — successful in business, devoted to the advancement of their community, state, and country, and true humanitarians.”
For tickets or information about the reception, contact John McDougald, regional executive director of Junior Achievement at [email protected].
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