Junior Achievement of North Florida (JANFL), a nonprofit dedicated to preparing young people for economic success, will host its 27th Annual Hall of Fame Luncheon on Wednesday, May 13, at the Adam W. Herbert University Center at the University of North Florida.
As JANFL’s signature fundraising event, the Hall of Fame Luncheon brings together business, civic and education leaders to celebrate individuals and organizations whose leadership strengthens Northeast Florida while raising critical funds to support hands-on learning experiences that help students build financial capability, career awareness and an entrepreneurial mindset.
“Junior Achievement exists to help young people see what’s possible for their lives and futures,” said Shannon Italia, president of Junior Achievement of North Florida. “The Hall of Fame Luncheon allows us to recognize leaders who model the values we strive to instill in students — integrity, collaboration and a commitment to community — while also ensuring we can continue and expand our impact across the region.”
The 2026 luncheon comes at an important moment for JANFL as the organization advances plans for a new Experiential Learning Center (ELC) in downtown Jacksonville. The ELC will significantly expand access to immersive, real-world learning environments such as JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, strengthening the connection between classroom learning, workforce readiness and the region’s economic future.
The Hall of Fame Luncheon recognizes outstanding leaders whose professional achievements and community engagement align with Junior Achievement’s mission. Awards to be presented include the Thompson S. Baker “Solid as a Rock” Award, Educator of the Year Award, Volunteer of the Year Award and Company of the Year Award.
The prestigious Thompson S. Baker “Solid as a Rock” Award will be presented to Andy Allen, CEO of Corner Lot Development. As the 27th recipient of this distinguished honor, Allen is recognized for his hands-on leadership, long-standing commitment to Jacksonville and dedication to building a stronger community through service and philanthropy.
Andy Allen is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Corner Lot, a real estate development firm headquartered in Jacksonville. Under his leadership, Corner Lot has achieved a total capitalization of more than $1 billion.
A Jacksonville native, Allen launched Corner Lot Properties in 2009. It quickly became the largest residential real estate investment firm in Northeast Florida, showing more than $1 billion of real estate, including residential acquisition, disposition, sales and development. Between 2011 and 2014, Allen’s companies facilitated more than 3,000 homes for American Homes 4 Rent (AH4R), the country's largest residential REIT, overseeing brokerage, construction, and rental management in what became one of AH4R’s top-producing markets. Allen subsequently launched Heritage Holdings, his residential portfolio of 1,100 single-family homes, one of the largest in Duval County.
“It’s a privilege to be recognized by Junior Achievement of North Florida, an organization that plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of leaders,” said Allen. “JA’s mission aligns closely with my belief that strong communities are built by investing early in education, leadership and opportunity. I am most proud of Corner Lot’s internship program every summer. Investing in the next generation, and in particular here in Jacksonville, is of the utmost importance to making sure our history is told, but our future is bright. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of many dedicated individuals working to ensure students across our region are equipped for what’s next.”
Additional honorees to be recognized at the luncheon include Pam Coleman, CTE instructor at Westside High School, as Educator of the Year; Evan Saoerwhite of Bank OZK as Volunteer of the Year; and FIS as Company of the Year.
Proceeds from the Hall of Fame Luncheon directly support Junior Achievement of North Florida’s mission to inspire and prepare young people for success through experiential programs in financial literacy, career readiness and entrepreneurship. Sponsorship opportunities range from $10,000 Event Level to $2,500 Chairman Level, with all contributions helping ensure students across Northeast Florida have access to relevant, real-world learning experiences.
For sponsorship information, contact Stephanie Saman at ssaman@janfl.org, 904-398-9944, ext. 231, or go to hops://bit.ly/2026jahof.
