Know a Realistic Change Maker? Nominate Them for the 18 Under 18 Awards Today!
Celebrating the Next Generation of Leaders: Junior Achievement’s 18 Under 18 Awards.
🔹 Submit a nomination before April 1, 2025🔹
The future of leadership, innovation, and change is already here, and it’s in the hands of young people who are making a difference in their communities. Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts is once again honoring these rising stars with its 18 Under 18 Awards, a prestigious recognition for students demonstrating innovative spirit, leadership, and community involvement.
This year’s winners won’t just receive the traditional honors—they’ll also be featured in the first-ever issue of the Realistic CEO Podcast Magazine! This collaboration between Junior Achievement and Realistic CEO will give awardees an even bigger platform to share their stories, inspire their peers, and showcase what it truly means to be a young leader in today’s world.
Last Year’s Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 Winners Included Mychal Connolly Jr. aka Realistic CEO featured in Marketing and Cupcakes Magazine.
What Are the 18 Under 18 Awards?
The 18 Under 18 Awards highlight students throughout Western Massachusetts and Vermont who are taking initiative, leading by example, and giving back to their communities. Presented by Teddy Bear Pools & Spas, this program recognizes students under 18 who are shaping the future with their bold ideas and commitment to making an impact.
Winners will be featured in local media outlets, gain access to an exclusive network of community leaders and peers, and receive additional opportunities through event partners. The recognition doesn’t stop there—these students will be celebrated at a special award ceremony in May 2025 at Storrowton Carriage House in West Springfield, MA.
What Makes a Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 Honoree?
Nominations are carefully evaluated based on three key criteria:
1. Innovative Spirit
Taking initiative to meet a need or solve a problem.
Thinking entrepreneurially and creatively.
Taking risks to experiment and bring solutions to life.
2. Leadership
Displaying confidence, adaptability, and strong organizational skills.
Working well in teams, solving problems, and inspiring collaboration.
Upholding ethical values like integrity and respect.
3. Community Involvement
Showing a strong sense of responsibility toward others.
Engaging in volunteerism and activism.
Raising awareness and taking action to drive positive change.
How to Nominate a Future Leader
If you know an exceptional student—or if you are one—you can submit a nomination before April 1, 2025.
The nomination process requires:
✅ A completed nomination form by clicking the “nominate now” button below
✅ A letter of reference from a teacher, coach, or community member
✅ A creative or academic submission showcasing the nominee’s impact (photo, video, presentation, song, poem, etc.)
Finalists will be invited for a virtual interview, and the 18 honorees will be notified by email before their official recognition in May 2025.
Realistic CEO Podcast Magazine: A New Stage for Young Leaders
As part of the Realistic CEO mission to uplift and inspire young entrepreneurs, the first-ever issue of the Realistic CEO Podcast Magazine will spotlight the 2025 Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 Award winners. This feature will provide these remarkable students with a powerful platform to share their journeys, ambitions, and advice for other young changemakers looking to make their mark.
Additionally, the Realistic CEO Podcast Magazine serves as a fundraiser for Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts. A portion of the proceeds from the magazine will be donated to support JA’s mission of empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and real-world knowledge to succeed in business and life.
At Realistic CEO, we believe that leadership isn’t just a title—it’s about action, perseverance, and making a difference. These 18 students embody that belief, and their stories deserve to be told on a grand stage.
The Junior Achievement 18 Under 18 Awards and the Realistic CEO Podcast Magazine are about amplifying young voices and showing the world what’s possible when passion meets purpose. If you or someone you know is making an impact, don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate their achievements and help shape the next generation of leaders.
Let’s recognize the dreamers, doers, and disruptors who are shaping the future—one bold step at a time.
TO RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE: CALL 413-356-0820 OR EMAIL SALES@REALISTICCEO.COM
DOWNLOAD THE RATE SHEET HERE.
Realistic CEO Podcast Ep. 7 | JA Western MA | Becoming a Nonprofit President: Insights from President Amie Miarecki