For the ninth consecutive year, Bank Rhode Island (BankRI) has been named the Banking Industry Challenge Champion by Junior Achievement of Rhode Island after raising $11,143 to support the organization’s work through its recent Achieve-A-Bowl. In addition to being the top fundraiser among participating banks, BankRI’s Scott Lajoie, of Warwick, was named the event’s Largest Individual Fundraiser after raising $4,810.

“While I’m honored to be recognized by Junior Achievement, the event’s success was truly a team effort,” said Lajoie, vice president of commercial lending for BankRI. “It was amazing to see so many people coming together on behalf of their important work – it’s a cause that I’m proud to be a part of.”

The BankRI team was led by Jay Farland, vice president, senior business lender and member of Junior Achievements Board of Directors, and consisted of 41 bowlers. In total, more than 750 people from across the state participated in the 30th annual event, which represents Junior Achievement’s largest and oldest fundraiser. Along with Banking, other Industry Challenge categories included Accounting, Finance & Investments, Insurance, Legal, Manufacturing, Small Business, and Technology.

As a nonprofit, Junior Achievement of Rhode Island works to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in school and continue on to careers in the constantly-evolving 21st century economy. Through a dedicated network of volunteers, Junior Achievement provides in-school and after-school programs for students in grades K through 12, focusing on workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. During the last year, the organization worked with 10,339 students across the state, representing nearly 10 percent of Rhode Island’s student population.