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Thursday, March 7 Lakeland Lead’s President Dr. Melody Rider was awarded the Bronze Spirit of Achievement Award at the annual Spirit of Achievement Awards Dinner hosted in Tampa. This prestigious award recognizes Dr. Rider’s role in expanding Junior Achievement’s impact in Polk County through several initiatives, including the growth of the 3DE School and a capstone campaign.
These two initiatives have the potential to impact hundreds of Polk County students each year. With the support of Lakeland Leads and Polk County Public Schools, Junior Achievement’s 3DE model was launched at Tenoroc High School in 2022. This program re-engineers high school education by preparing students for the demands of tomorrow’s economy, integrating the business community and industry in systematic ways.
“I am deeply honored by the Junior Achievement Bronze Leadership Award recognition, seeing it as a beacon of our collective commitment to enriching K-12 education through meaningful business community engagement,” said Dr. Rider.
During the evening, there were several additional esteemed award winners, including the late Carol Jenkins Barnett who was awarded The Spirit of Achievement Award. The Barnett family attended the dinner to honor Carol’s legacy and Wesley Barnett proudly accepted the award on her behalf. Carol was a champion for education, and this honor acknowledged her extraordinary dedication to fostering compassion and creating a positive legacy.
Junior Achievement’s initiatives play a vital role in providing students with a comprehensive education in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, career exploration, and self-direction. To learn more about Junior Achievement and its mission, please visit JAPolk.org.