Celebrating Our Incredible 2026 Volunteers

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When students discover their first business idea or finally understand what a budget means for their future, there are real people behind those moments. Volunteers who showed up, gave their time, and chose to invest in a kid they just met for the first time.

That's why our volunteers are so important to our mission. Each year, we select top companies and individuals, who show their passion, purpose, and commitment that went above and beyond for JA kids in the 2025 - 2026 school year.

2026 VOLUNTEER COMPANY OF THE YEAR
The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Year after year, Whiting Turner employees don't just talk the talk, they walk the walk. They are a consistent pressence in our programs - from individual volunteers to JA takeover days. Whiting Turner employees share their own experiences, answer students' questions honestly, and help young people draw a straight line from what they're studying today to what's possible for them tomorrow. That kind of connection is hard to manufacture. In addition to their storefront in JA BizTown, Whiting Turner employees are in constant rotation to volunteer and directly show what its like to work at one of the largest employee-owned general contractors and construction management companies in the United States.

In addition to their incredible volunteer record this school year, Whiting Turner is a longtime supporter of the JA misson. Led by our JA Board Member Kellie Montgomery and volunteer coordinator extraordinare Nicole Levanduski, they work behind the scenes to recruit, organize, and support their company's volunteers. 

2026 VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR
James Ludington | Chesapeake Employers' Insurance Company

It's not easy to come into a volunteer coordinator role right from the jump, but for James Ludington the transition was better than ever. As a go-to JA partner Chesapeake Employers' Insurance Company was a staple this year in our progams and that success is without a doubt because of James. Immediately, he made significant strides to the volunteer experience and led by example. Coordinating volunteers takes organization, follow-through, and a genuine enthusiasm - and James was never short on any of these.

His passion for Junior Achievement was undeniable - always ready to help with a smile on his face and a great attitude.

From executing volunteer days with his full senior leadership team to coordinating with our favorite Chesapeake Employers' Insurance Company repeat volunteers, James ensured it all went smoothly while staying in direct communication with JA's team. Because of his leadership this year, Chesapeake Employers' volunteers showed up informed, engaged, and ready to make an impact. The students without a doubt benefited greatly.

MILESTONE HOURS: VOLUNTEERS WHO KEEP SHOWING UP

We also want to recognize three volunteers who have reached meaningful milestones in their service to JA. Every hour in this count is an hour a student spent learning from someone who chose to be there. That's a gift — and it adds up.

• Roman Leter — 200 volunteer hours
• Moni Oloyede — 100 volunteer hours
• Taylor Winchester — 100 volunteer hours

Roman and Moni are not new to Junior Achievement. Just last year they both recieved recognition for being top individuals. Their unwavering committment to JA kids continued on in a big way this year. We appreciate Roman, Moni, and Taylor for their ability to be our go-to people who support our students throughout the year, on a regular cadence, and continue to ask how else they can help!

To all of our volunteers, you are why this work matters, and why our students walk away believing in themselves.