Outstanding Volunteers and Educators Honored by JASoCal
At JASoCal, educators help students imagine what’s possible and volunteers help to bring those lessons to life by sharing real-world expertise, leading hands-on activities, and encouraging young people to dream bigger.
Together, they create meaningful JA learning experiences that equip students with the confidence and skills to succeed in school, work, and life.
To celebrate that shared commitment, JASoCal welcomed educators, volunteers, corporate partners, and staff to its annual Volunteer & Educator Appreciation Luncheon.
More than a celebration, the event recognized the people whose time, passion, and dedication make our mission possible every day.
As part of Junior Achievement USA, JASoCal advances that mission by preparing young people across Southern California for brighter futures.
Volunteer and Educator Impact
Every school year, thousands of students participate in JA learning experiences focused on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship.
It all starts with educators who bring these experiences into their classrooms. From there, volunteers enrich each lesson by sharing their time, knowledge, and professional expertise.
Whether guiding a budgeting simulation at JA Finance Park, conducting mock interviews, or encouraging students to think differently about their futures, both groups play an essential role in preparing young people for success.
As a result, more than 1,700 volunteers helped JASoCal reach over 58,000 students during the 2025–2026 school year.
Those numbers are impressive. More importantly, they represent thousands of moments that helped students build confidence, discover new possibilities, and see a brighter future for themselves.
A day to simply say thank you
For Peter Gonzalez, Volunteer Experience & Partnerships Coordinator at JASoCal, the purpose of the event was simple.
“Our JA Volunteer & Educator Appreciation Day was a day for us to say thank you to our volunteers and educators.”
That spirit of gratitude shaped the entire afternoon. Guests enjoyed lunch, games, raffles, and time to reconnect with fellow educators, volunteers, and partners. They also reflected on another successful year of helping students discover new possibilities through JA learning experiences.
Peter also shared that his favorite part of the event wasn’t the program itself—it was the conversations.
“Some of my favorite memories from the event was just being able to talk and learn more about our volunteers, educators and partners on a more personal level through casual conversation.”
Likewise, he reflected on why that appreciation matters throughout the year.
“Many of our programs cannot be run without them, and having everyone out there that cares and values the work that we do is a huge plus for JA as a whole.”
Ultimately, the day’s greatest takeaway wasn’t found in the awards or activities. It was the reminder that every JA learning experience begins with people who choose to invest in the next generation.
Honoring Outstanding Community Leaders
The luncheon also recognized individuals whose commitment and leadership made an exceptional impact during the past year.
2025–2026 Volunteer & Educator Award Recipients
🏆 Educator of the Year: Anna Leon
🏆 School Coordinator of the Year: Amanda Frost
🏆 Corporate Volunteer Coordinator of the Year: Jose Barrera
🏆 Corporate Volunteer of the Year: Christopher Beene
🏆 Community Volunteer of the Year: Brandon Bailey
Although these individuals received special recognition, they represent a much larger community of educators, volunteers, and partners whose dedication strengthens JASoCal’s mission every day.
Get Involved with JASoCal
As one school year ends, another is already beginning. Soon, students will return for JA Finance Park simulations and career readiness experiences. JASoCal will once again rely on educators, volunteers, and community partners to bring JA learning experiences to life across Southern California.
The impact celebrated at this year’s luncheon is only possible because people choose to get involved. Every educator, volunteer, corporate partner, and supporter helps create opportunities that can change a student’s future.
Whether you want to give back as an individual or create a meaningful employee volunteer experience for your team, JASoCal offers flexible ways to make a lasting impact. From JA Finance Park simulations to career readiness experiences, every volunteer helps students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed.
Explore JASoCal volunteer opportunities and discover how you or your organization can help shape the next generation.
Thank you for making student success possible
Every student who participates in a JA learning experience leaves with something valuable—a new skill, a fresh perspective, or the confidence to pursue what’s next.
None of that happens alone. Educators open their classrooms. Volunteers share their expertise. Corporate partners connect students with real-world learning. Together, they help young people discover what’s possible.
During the 2025–2026 school year, more than 58,000 students across Southern California participated in JA learning experiences because educators, volunteers, partners, and supporters chose to invest in their futures.
To every educator, volunteer, partner, and supporter who made that impact possible—thank you. Because of your commitment, thousands of young people are better prepared for whatever comes next.
