My name is Matthew Adcock and supporting Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay feels especially meaningful to me because it’s tied to one of those moments that really sticks with you. When I think back to my early experiences learning about the real world, Junior Achievement is one of the first things that comes to mind — not just as a program, but as a moment when things started to click in a very real way. Back in 2012, JA helped take concepts like money, responsibility, and leadership out of the classroom and turn them into something I genuinely remember and still carry with me today.
When I went through BizTown, I was the CEO of the radio station — and it’s honestly kind of crazy how clearly I still remember that day. Being responsible for leading a team, making decisions, and understanding how a business actually operates made everything feel real for the first time. It wasn’t just another school activity; it was a confidence‑building experience that showed me what leadership and accountability looked like in practice.
That experience is exactly why being part of Junior Achievement’s 2000s Prom fundraiser feels so full‑circle. JA creates hands‑on moments that stick with students long after they leave the classroom — just like mine did. By supporting this fundraiser, you’re helping ensure that more students across Tampa Bay get the opportunity to learn, lead, and see themselves in roles they might not have imagined yet.
Thank you so much for supporting Junior Achievement and for helping create experiences that students will remember for years to come.