Junior Achievement of North Florida’s Building Better Tomorrows Virtual Event was held Thursday, Oct. 22, with a small studio audience and viewers from home watching the live stream on the nonprofit’s YouTube channel.
The goal of the evening was to introduce JA of North Florida through a series of videos and in-studio conversations with special guests and JA staff. It was also a fundraiser to help the nonprofit continue its mission to help local youth prepare for the future. The organizers set a target of $70,000 for the evening and were able to exceed that goal; raising more than $87,000.
The night began with a pre-show tribute to President Steve St. Amand who is retiring at the end of the year. They included recorded videos from St. Amand’s wife, children and grandchildren as well as from board members, supporters, fellow JA presidents from Tampa Bay and western Pennsylvania and friends of JA.
Emcee Al Emerick kicked off the main event by introducing the audience to the value that JA brings to the community. JA is the oldest organization dedicated to providing youth with the tools necessary to succeed in a global economy. Nationally, more than 4 million students each year are taught financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness through JA programs. Locally, more than 1,000 volunteers each year teach classes, and in 2018-2019, JA of North Florida reached more than 62,000 students from kindergarten to grade 12.
JA of North Florida works closely with schools and teachers throughout Duval County schools, including public and private schools. One of the night’s special guests was Nadia Hionides, principal of The Foundation Academy which has been around for 32 years. The school has been working with JA for many years to help prepare students for the future.
Hionides said, “Junior Achievement has a real feel for what is necessary, and we so appreciate Junior Achievement. My students do, I do. We are continuing our partnership moving forward.”
Another of the special guests of the night was Hazel Hannis, a JA of North Florida alumna, a graduate of Douglas Anderson School of the Arts and a current FSCJ student. Hannis said JA gave her the hard and soft skills that she needs to succeed.
“Hardened skills are the technicals and soft skills are dealing with your more personal, so that is helping me balance when I am talking to people or even finances that help me to navigate myself into being more successful,” said Hannis. “Honestly, you guys just have really great people and really friendly people that make it really interesting.”
Hannis said one of the main things she took away from her time with JA is the need to save to be prepared, because things can change overnight. She said now more than ever the JA lesson resonates, and everyone should be prepared to make the necessary adjustments to succeed.
The night wrapped up with a special message for St. Amand from Jack Kosakowski, president and CEO of JA USA. Kosakowski honored St. Amand for his achievements over the last 20 years, which includes the creation of JA Girl$, JA Boy$, JA Work$ and the JA Financial Literacy Center in New Town.
“I joined JA in 2001 for the chance to do something worthwhile, and I am proud of the legacy I am leaving behind,” said St. Amand. “It is not just my legacy, but it is the legacy of the 600,000 young people we have been able to reach over the last 20 years. Every single one of those people benefits from the JA legacy and hopefully, it will improve their lives.”
St. Amand added, “I want to thank everyone who took the time to wish me well in retirement, and thanks to the JA staff who worked tirelessly to put this event together. I also want to thank all the volunteers, teachers, students and supporters who showed how much JA means to them, as well as the sponsors. A very special thank you to our title sponsor, Publix Charities.”
The night wrapped up with the announcement of the winners of some big prizes. Kristen Hanson won the $150 Publix gift card; David Viscariello will receive a complete day of golf for four at the Tournament Players Club at Sawgrass; and Kimberly Rose won a four-night stay in Winter Park, Colorado, including a $1,000 ticket voucher from Delta Airlines.
For those who weren’t able to log on for the event, the complete event can be watched on JA of North Florida’s YouTube channel. Visit janfl.org and click on the YouTube icon at the bottom of the page.
