Hitting it out of the Park: JA Dallas Celebrates a Year of Impact
Honoring a Season of Service, JA Dallas style
On Wednesday, May 21, Junior Achievement of Dallas (JA Dallas) brought its mission to the ballpark for a night to remember. Hosted at Riders Field, home of the Frisco RoughRiders, and presented by McCarthy Building Companies, the 2025 Annual Celebration welcomed nearly 120 guests—including staff, educators, board members, volunteers and community supporters—to reflect on a year of hands-on impact and celebrate those who helped make it possible.
Guests enjoyed casual ballpark dining, raffle prizes, swag bags and the excitement of a live game under the lights. But the real highlight? Honoring the people and partners who made this school year a home run for North Texas students through immersive, real-world learning experiences.
Recognizing a Lineup of Impact
Seven individuals and organizations were honored for their exceptional commitment to empowering students with the skills they need to succeed in work and life:
- Broderick Kirksey (American Airlines) – Volunteer of the Year
- Cesar Perez (Dallas ISD) – Educator of the Year
- Chandler Campbell (Crandall ISD) – Rookie Educator of the Year
- Lauren Windsor (Populus) – Company Coordinator of the Year
- Karlene Jolly (Richardson ISD) – School Coordinator of the Year
- Fannie Mae – Emerging Impact Partner
- Comerica Bank – Corporate Impact Partner
In a special moment that embodied JA’s spirit of community, each honoree was invited onto the field and celebrated over the stadium intercom, while the crowd cheered them on. These champions represent the volunteers, educators and partners who make experiential learning possible in classrooms across the region.
A First Pitch Full of Promise
Adding to the excitement, 2024–25 JA Dallas Student of the Year Palak Patel stepped up to throw the ceremonial first pitch. It was a powerful symbol of the confidence and leadership JA cultivates by connecting students with meaningful, real-life learning opportunities.
Why This Night—and This Work—Matters
As the night unfolded, the sense of collective purpose was unmistakable. JA Dallas President and CEO Chris LaTurno reflected:
“This evening was a powerful reminder that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, we can change lives. Every person who gives their time, energy or support to JA Dallas is helping a young person believe in their potential and build a brighter future.”
Looking Ahead
Backed by a global network and grounded in local partnerships, JA Dallas is committed to preparing students for the business of life. With deep gratitude to McCarthy Building Companies and to all who power this mission through time, talent and investment, we look forward to the year ahead.
Together, we dream big and go big!