Junior Achievement Awards Centier Bank Assistant Branch Manager Volunteer of the Year Award

Mariana Reyes (center) receives the Volunteer of the Year Award and is supported by her colleagues Tenana Gonzales (left) and Alexandra Hunter (right).

ELKHART, Ind. – Mariana Reyes, Assistant Branch Manager of Centier Bank’s Elkhart North Branch, was recently named Volunteer of the Year by Junior Achievement of Elkhart County. Junior Achievement is a nationwide nonprofit with chapters throughout the country, reaching over 4.4 million students per year in classrooms and after-school locations. There are over 151,000 JA volunteers across the country that work with the organization to inspire and prepare young people for success.

Reyes volunteers by teaching financial education courses at elementary schools as well as at the newly-constructed Biztown, which opened up last year.

“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 expressed. “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. I’m truly honored to receive this award and be recognized by the organization.”

Reyes went on to say the most rewarding part of her volunteer experience has been receiving thank you cards and forming caring relationships with students.

Megan Hartman, Program Manager for Junior Achievement of Elkhart County, said JA is lucky to have Reyes as part of the organization.

“She is a tremendous asset to our community because she has taught the importance of financial literacy and education to our students,” Hartman said. “She was chosen as our 2023 volunteer of the year because of her dedication to volunteerism.”  

Hartman said volunteers have been integral in driving the nonprofit’s mission because they come into the classroom as a fresh face with different perspectives and backgrounds to resonate with students.

For more information about Junior Achievement of Elkhart County, go to elkhartcounty.ja.org.