Robert Cook Inducted As Laureate Into Junior Achievement Hall of Fame

During a luncheon honoring exemplary service dedicated to the mission of Junior Achievement (JA), prominent local businessman Robert Cook was inducted as a laureate in the Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore Hall of Fame. In 1982 Cook took the helm of the then emerging Junior Achievement from its leaders, Delmarva Power and Ralph Smith (JA’s 2011 Laureate), and began building the foundation of the Junior Achievement that exists today on Delmarva.

This fledgling Junior Achievement began operations under the umbrella of the Wilmington, Delaware JA office. Cook quickly saw the need for a local, independent Junior Achievement board to serve students in the Wicomico and surrounding counties area. Obtaining a charter for a separate JA of the Eastern Shore proved difficult, however, and financial stress threatened the effort at every turn. In 1987 Cook’s dream became a reality, and Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore became its own entity.

“Junior Achievement--along with other youth programs like Boy Scouts--helps built character, values, and work skills in our youth,” said Cook. “In this way JA helps to secure the future of this great nation.”

Cook’s work for Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore has helped give countless local students the tools they need to grow into the fiscally savvy, business powerhouses our country will need to move into the future.

Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore is committed to giving young people in all communities the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Through its hands-on, age-appropriate programs Junior Achievement inspires our youth to live within their means, prepare for the world of work, and understand the free enterprise system. Today, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore (JAES) teaches more than six-thousand students across the Eastern Shore. For more information email JAES at info@easternshoreja.org, phone at 410.742.8112, or log on to www.ja.org for program details.