AUGUSTA – Franklin Savings Bank was presented a Silver Impact Award from Junior Achievement of Maine during a recent ceremony at the Blaine House. The award was presented to Director of Operations Tim Thompson, chairman of the Western Mountains Junior Achievement Advisory Council.

Thompson has been instrumental in securing Franklin Savings Bank’s support for Junior Achievement, financially and in staff expertise. Currently the bank has several employees volunteering with Junior Achievement.

Thompson has worked directly with fourth-, fifth- and sixth-graders in the classroom for five-week courses that guide students as they set up their own businesses and role-play business situations. He helps the youngsters to figure out what their business needs might be by helping them to understand concerns relating to money, resources, production, employees and advertising.

In selecting award recipients, Junior Achievement of Maine looks at businesses that have made a dramatic impact by promoting Junior Achievement in their areas. Criteria include achieving impact by increasing the number of classes and community awareness and generating teacher interest in a measurable and innovative way; generating resources, financially or volunteers; building sustainability by helping to maintain current Junior Achievement programs; and improve efficiency by promoting better communication or finding other ways to help Junior Achievement meet its goals.