Junior Achievement of Idaho hosts awards breakfast

Junior Achievement of Idaho honored business leaders, volunteers, educators and board members at its annual Spirit of Achievement awards breakfast Oct. 28. Idaho State Treasurer Ron Crane hosted the event and presented awards alongside former Boise State University running back Ian Johnson.

Honorees included Mentor of the Year Tammy Tilzey of Foundant Technologies, Teacher of the Year Emily Beck of Christine Donnell School, Chairman’s Circle inductees Caldwell Adventist School and Icon Credit Union and Director of the Year Bruce Gestrin, West Ada School District deputy superintendent.

Silver awards were presented to DIRECTV and Idaho Central Credit Union. Both companies provided more than 500 service hours within a year. The Bronze Award was presented to organizations that provided more than 200 volunteer service hours and individuals who completed 100 service hours within a year. This year the Bronze awards went to US Bank, Washington Federal, Icon Credit Union, Fred Meyer, Washington Trust, David Wallas, Todd Christensen, Bruce Gestrin and Shaun Kochivar.

JA of Idaho mentored a record 12,917 students in more than 500 classrooms during the 2013-2014 school year.