Jerry Baker and Joe Natcher have made their mark on this community, always giving and lending a hand when they can, so it was only fitting that they be named to the Junior Achievement Hall of Fame.

On Friday, the two Bowling Green businessmen were honored with the award as examples of people who embody Junior Achievement’s principles.

Junior Achievement offers during-school and after-school educational programs that focus on business, citizenship, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics/character, financial literacy and career development.

It seems that these were two great selections made by past Hall of Fame recipients as well as community members. They both have demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit and both deeply value education.

Baker, consultant to Airgas and part owner of Amerifax Inc., has put his arboretum property in trust for Western Kentucky University to use as a teaching tool and outreach for the university. He also has funded several scholarships and other enterprises at the university, as well as throughout the community.

Natcher, who started mowing yards when he was 8, is chief executive of Southern Foods, a large employer and wholesale supplier of restaurant products. He is immediate past chairman of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and board member of Commonwealth Health Free Clinic and The Medical Center.

Both of these men have impressive backgrounds and should be very proud of their accomplishments, but their humbleness in receiving the awards truly shows the class both men possess.

They also realize the importance of Junior Achievement in the classroom and the community.

Baker and Natcher have now joined a very elite group of Hall of Fame recipients for Junior Achievement.

They should be proud in knowing that their hard work for this community hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Congratulations.