Jim Johnston

FORT WAYNE — Jim Johnston, of Fort Wayne and representing Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, has been named one of six Junior Achievement National Centennial Leadership Award honorees by the Junior Achievement USA Board of Directors.

Coinciding with JA’s Centennial celebration in 2019, these special national awards recognize the outstanding board members, volunteers and supporting companies and organizations who have exemplified exceptional service and support to JA and its mission over the years.

“Jim has been a true leader and champion of Junior Achievement in our community for many years, and we are incredibly pleased that Jim is being recognized with this national award,” said Lena Yarian, president of Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana. “Jim’s support is representative of the tremendous dedication of the countless business leaders, educators, volunteers and other community supporters who have been so essential in ensuring JA’s success both here locally and across the country.”

Throughout his involvement with JA of Northern Indiana over the past 40-plus years, Johnston has been a dedicated spokesperson for JA Programs and a committed fund-raiser for the organization. He has helped the organization grow and transform from the original after-school company program to an organization providing proven capstone programs and blended learning. He believes that as JA inspires young men and women to future financial success, his support as a community leader is critical. Therefore, Johnston has put himself front and center helping to raise funds for a new JA facility.

“The new facility is so important to sustain and enrich our goals of providing career and workforce readiness and financial literacy for our young people as well as introducing experiential learning in a new entrepreneurial center,” said Johnston.

“As a long time board of directors members and tireless fund-raiser, Jim’s impact on JA is immeasurable,” said Yarian. “Jim is so very deserving of this prestigious award.”

The one-time only Junior Achievement National Centennial Leadership Awards will be presented at the 2019 Junior Achievement Volunteer Summit on Tuesday, March 12, in New York City. The recipients will be honored with a special luncheon and participate in the ringing of the New York Stock Exchange closing bell. In addition to the national award, JA Areas will also be awarding JA Area Centennial Leadership Awards to local JA leaders who have gone “above and beyond” in their own region.