The People Behind the Impact

Each year, the JA Appreciation Event gives us a moment to pause and celebrate the incredible people and impact partners that make Junior Achievement’s mission of providing education for what’s next possible. While the weather prevented us from gathering at Principal Park this year, it certainly did not diminish our gratitude to our impact partners, who make our work possible.

From inspiring volunteers and committed board leadership to outstanding school districts, corporate partners and community champions, this year’s award recipients represent the very best of what Junior Achievement stands for.

We are proud to recognize our 2025-2026 Award Winners:

Image caption: Sara Summy, JA Finance Park volunteer and Farm Bureau Financial Services employee, receives the Company of the Year award on behalf of Farm Bureau Financial Services at the JA Appreciation Event.

Company of the Year

Farm Bureau Financial Services

For over 10 years, Farm Bureau Financial Services has been a steadfast partner in advancing Junior Achievement’s mission of preparing students for what’s next. Their support has reached every level of our organization. They have served as the Presenting Sponsor of the JA Stock Market Challenge for 8 years, a pod sponsor at JA Finance Park for 3 years, and most recently became a founding partner of 3DE by Junior Achievement.

Beyond their financial investment, Farm Bureau Financial Services demonstrates an exceptional commitment to volunteerism. During the 2025-26 school year alone, 68 employees volunteered their time and talents to help bring JA learning experiences to life for students across Central Iowa.

Their investment extends far beyond the classroom. Through both generous support and active engagement, Farm Bureau Financial Services continues to help students become confident, capable, and connected. Their commitment to empowering young people and strengthening our community makes them a deserving recipient of the 2025-26 Company of the Year Award.

We are delighted to recognize Farm Bureau Financial Services as our 2025-26 Company of the Year.

Image caption: Dr. Theron Schutte, Superintendent of Marshalltown Community School District, accepts the School District of the Year award at the JA Appreciation Event.

School District of the Year

Marshalltown Community School District

Marshalltown Community School District is our 2025-26 School District of the Year and the first district to earn this recognition more than once. A true testament to their unwavering commitment to student success and partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Iowa.

As the launch district for 3DE by Junior Achievement, Marshalltown continues to embrace innovative approaches that connect classroom learning to real-world experiences. Their partnership with JA spans the entire K-12 journey, creating meaningful opportunities for students at every grade level.

Marshalltown students participate in our experiential learning centers, JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, while JA classroom programs reach elementary students throughout the district. This comprehensive commitment to education for what’s next makes Marshalltown a model partner and a well-deserved recipient of this year’s award.

We are proud to recognize Marshalltown Community School District as our 2025-26 School District of the Year.

Image caption: Tim Grabinski receives the Board Member of the Year award at the final board meeting of the year.

Board Member of the Year

Tim Grabinski

For 14 years, Tim Grabinski has provided dedicated leadership and unwavering support as a member of the Junior Achievement Board of Directors. Throughout his tenure, he has consistently championed JA’s mission while helping guide the organization’s growth and impact.

As Co-Chair of the Community Engagement & Marketing Committee, Tim has played an instrumental role in strengthening awareness of JA and expanding connections throughout the community. His thoughtful leadership, strategic perspective and commitment to student success have helped advance our mission and ensure more students have access to opportunity-filled futures. We are honored to recognize Tim as our 2025-2026 Board Member of the Year

Image caption: Matt Janssen, alongside JA's Ryan and Amanda, is recognized as Volunteer of the Year at the JA Appreciation Event for his outstanding commitment to preparing students for what's next.

Volunteers of the Year

Matt Janssen

Matt Janssen exemplifies what it means to invest in the next generation. His volunteer service at JA Finance Park and his recruitment of fellow Farmers State Bank volunteer Matt have made a lasting impact on countless students. Matt credits his passion for service to his parents.

“I give all credit to my parents for their introduction to and continuous examples of volunteerism in my life,” said Matt. “From a young age, we witnessed and became part of their involvement in numerous religious, civic and academic-related volunteer opportunities. Giving our time and talents for the benefit of others was just part of their way of life and part of our upbringing."

Matt also shared that the reason he enjoys volunteering in JA Finance Park is seeing students become engaged and watching lessons click in real time. We are so grateful for Matt’s commitment to students and his dedication to helping young people prepare for what’s next.

Image caption: Celebrated for her dedication to students, Ashley Johnson receives the Volunteer of the Year award at the JA Appreciation Event

Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson’s enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to serve has made her an invaluable JA volunteer. Ashley consistently creates meaningful learning experiences for students, whether teaching classroom programs or making a trip to JA Finance Park.

Working in the banking industry, Ashley was drawn to JA Finance Park because she recognized the value of providing students with hands-on financial education.

“Seeing their excitement and reactions is incredibly rewarding,” She shared. “Reaching students at different age levels is meaningful and even if only a few of them walk away each time thinking about their future, I know the impact is lasting.”

Her passion for helping students build confidence and financial knowledge makes her a deserving Volunteer of the Year recipient.

Kate Gibson-Overby

Over the past four years, Kate Gibson-Overby has volunteered in 16 classrooms, inspiring students with her passion, energy and commitment to civic engagement. Teachers consistently praise her ability to connect with students and bring JA lessons to life in meaningful ways. Kate goes above and beyond, even offering to expand JA programs throughout entire school buildings. She encourages students to think critically about their futures.

“Junior Achievement, its mission, its curriculum and the direct meaningful impact it creates, drew me to becoming a volunteer five years ago,” Kate shared. “It equips young people with knowledge that can truly shape their futures.”

Kate’s own connection to JA began as a student when a JA volunteer visited her elementary classroom.

“I loved it,” she recalls. “As someone whose career has centered on Marketing and Communications, I think about the many sparks that encouraged me along the way and credit the JA volunteer for making a difference in my life.”

Today, Kate continues that legacy by empowering students to thrive in a rapidly changing world by providing education for what’s next and we are honored to recognize her as our 2025-2026 volunteer of the year.

Image caption: Honored for her leadership and enthusiasm in JA BizTown, Jayden E. receives the Citizen of the Year award at the JA Appreciation Event, recognizing her standout impact as a student citizen.

JA BizTown Citizen of the Year

Jayden E. from Heritage Elementary

Congratulations to our 2025-26 JA BizTown Citizen of the Year, Jayden E. of Heritage Elementary in the Ankeny Community School District.

Nominated by her teacher, Jayden stood out for consistently demonstrating the qualities that make a great citizen. Serving as the photographer for JA BizTown, she enthusiastically visited each business to capture photos and document the day's activities. At the end of the simulation, she brought the community together by selling newspapers to her fellow citizens, sharing the stories and memories she helped create.

Whether collaborating with classmates, taking on new challenges, or leading by example, Jayden embodies the values we hope every young person carries into their school and community. At JA BizTown, students develop real-world skills through hands-on experiences, but students like Jayden remind us that character, teamwork, and leadership are just as important as any job title.

Her positive attitude, creativity, and commitment to helping others made a lasting impression on teachers, volunteers, and peers alike. We are proud to recognize Jayden for this well-deserved honor and look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make in the future.