Junior Achievement of Georgia Celebrates Outstanding Volunteers for Their Service by Announcing 3 Awards

ATLANTA, GA — Junior Achievement of Georgia (JA of Georgia) is celebrating 24 companies, organizations, schools and individuals for their outstanding commitment to volunteerism and student success during the 2025-26 school year.

For the first time, JA of Georgia is recognizing these partners through three awards designed to celebrate the organizations and individuals who help bring Junior Achievement programs to life for Georgia students. From recruiting hundreds of volunteers to creating meaningful student experiences and championing JA within their communities, these partners play an important role in helping young people prepare for success in a global economy.

JA Partner Milestone Award | Recognizes companies, organizations, and schools who recruited 100+ volunteers annually across JA of Georgia’s programs and regions. These partnerships help inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

JA Volunteer Impact Award | Recognizes an outstanding individual whose exceptional dedication to volunteer service and advocacy with JA of Georgia goes above and beyond, inspiring others, enriching student experiences, and creating a meaningful impact on the next generation.

JA Champion Volunteer Impact Award | Recognizes an outstanding individual from a corporation or organization whose leadership, advocacy, and excellence in JA of Georgia volunteer recruitment go above and beyond to expand Junior Achievement's reach, inspire engagement, and create lasting impact for students.

Together, these organizations contributed thousands of volunteer experiences that helped Georgia students explore careers, develop essential skills and connect what they learn in school to the world around them.

From Left to Right: Lindsay Allward-Theimer, Dennis McGourik, Dr. Gina Kertulis-Tartar, Mallory Safley, Thurman Williams, & Emily Jourdain

Four of this year's award recipients were recognized in person during JA of Georgia's Fall 2026 Board Meeting on September 24: Dalton State College, recipient of the JA Partner Milestone Award for 900+ volunteers; Thurman Williams, recipient of the JA Volunteer Impact Award; and Dennis McGouirk and Mallory Safley, recipients of the JA Volunteer Champion Impact Award.

JA of Georgia will continue recognizing partners throughout the remainder of the year, celebrating the companies, organizations, schools and individuals whose time, talent and commitment help create meaningful opportunities for students across Georgia.