Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana/Elkhart County recently named Mariana Reyes, a Centier employee, Volunteer of the Year.
Reyes is the assistant branch manager of Centier’s Elkhart north branch. She volunteers by teaching financial education courses at elementary schools. She also teaches at Biztown, a newly constructed simulated town. Biztown helps students learn business and civic skills.
“Not only do I feel good about volunteering my time for a great organization, but I also enjoy living out Centier’s servant heart culture,” Reyes said in a press release. “I’m truly honored to receive this award and be recognized by the organization.”
To Reyes, the most rewarding part of her volunteer experience has been forming caring relationships with students and receiving thank you cards.
“Volunteering with Junior Achievement has truly enriched my life because it has given me the opportunity to get out in the community that I live and work in to help make a difference in the future leaders of our community,” Reyes said.
Megan Hartman, program manager for Junior Achievement of Elkhart County, said volunteers help drive the organization’s mission because their different perspectives and backgrounds resonate with students. Hartman said JA is lucky to have Reyes as a volunteer.
“She is a tremendous asset to our community because she has taught the importance of financial literacy and education to our students,” Hartman said.
Junior Achievement is a nationwide organization. The nonprofit helps give young people the tools for academic and economic success. They offer educational programs in schools and communities. There are over 100 local JA areas across the nation.
Family-owned Centier Bank serves 35 communities. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce recently listed Centier among the top “Best Places to Work in Indiana.”
