Junior Achievement of North Florida Honors Outstanding Community Leaders for Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement of North Florida announces that its Hall of Fame Luncheon, the organization's largest annual fundraiser, is set to take place on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. This prestigious event will be hosted at the University of North Florida’s Adam W. Herbert University Center.

The Hall of Fame Luncheon serves as a crucial fundraiser for Junior Achievement of North Florida, supporting its mission to inspire and prepare young people for future success through financial literacy programs. Sponsorship opportunities are now available, ranging from the top-tier $15,000 presenting level to the $2,500 chairman level. Every dollar raised will directly contribute to providing essential programs for students in North Florida.

Shannon Italia, President of JA of North Florida, emphasized the importance of community involvement: “Our programs help to shape our youth and put them on the path to economic success, but we can’t do it alone; we need the community to help. We invite businesses, organizations, and individuals to join us at this event to learn more about how we can work together to create the leaders of tomorrow.”

The Hall of Fame is not only a fundraising event but also an opportunity to recognize outstanding individuals and businesses within the community. Awards to be presented include the Thompson S. Baker Award, the Educator of the Year Award, the Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Company of the Year Award.

The prestigious Thompson S. Baker “Solid as a Rock” Award will be presented to Henry Brown, CEO of Miller Electric Company. Brown, the 25th recipient of this esteemed award, embodies the values of community leadership, hands-on involvement, and philanthropy. Exposed to what it takes to be an entrepreneur as a child as a third-generation leader of the company, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, uncle, and mother, Browns' commitment to Jacksonville aligns with the mission of Junior Achievement. Brown’s dedication, exposure to entrepreneurship in his formative years, love for Jacksonville, commitment to family, and shared values with Junior Achievement make him a real-life example of the organization's vision – a world where young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.

"It is an honor to be recognized by Junior Achievement of North Florida, especially an award that underscores Miller Electric Company's commitment to philanthropy within the First Coast community,” said Brown. “This recognition showcases our firm belief in the importance of supporting and lifting up the communities we're part of. A strong community is all about sharing values, working together, and making a positive difference. We're thrilled to be on this journey, and we're excited to keep working towards a brighter future together."

JA Values:

Believe in the boundless potential of young people
Teach principled, market-based economics and entrepreneurship that build a more sustainable world
Approach our work with passion, honesty, integrity and excellence
Nurture the power of partnership and collaboration
Seek-out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and talents in our staff and volunteers, and boards to reflect the geographies and communities we serve
Advocate for relevant hands-on learning

Four additional award winners will be recognized at the Hall of Fame Luncheon: Tikila Shakespeare, a teacher at Fort Caroline Middle School, will receive the Educator of the Year Award; John “Trey” Stephens and India Sullivan from Ally Financial will be honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award, and the Company of the Year Award will be presented to Mercedes-Benz USA.