When City of Plant City Vice Mayor Jason Jones received the phone call informing him that he was this year’s Plant City YMCA Strong Leader Award recipient, his mind was flooded with memories of his service with the organization.
“Many may not know this, but the first board I ever served on was the Plant City YMCA board,” said Jones, who was a board member for nine years, including three years as chairman. “I was eager to start volunteering and giving back to my community, and once I learned about the incredible programs the YMCA offers, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. It was incredibly rewarding.”
Jones also served on the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA Oversight Committee for several years.
During his service on the board, he not only supported a great organization, but also developed valuable leadership skills and a deep appreciation for community service. “I forged many meaningful friendships along the way. So, when I received that call, I couldn’t help but smile as I reflected on all those memories and realized how far I’ve come,” he said. “ I truly felt like I had come full circle at the YMCA, and I’m grateful for how it has shaped me into a better person.”
A very active community volunteer once told him that for everything he gives to his community, Plant City would repay it twofold. As he has dedicated years of service on various boards, committees and volunteer efforts, the truth of those words became clear. “Plant City has a rich history of strong leaders and dedicated volunteers. As I served alongside these individuals, I learned invaluable lessons from each one of them, and their influence has played a significant role in my development,” he said. “Now, as someone who loves Plant City and understands the importance of community involvement, I feel a strong desire to pass on the leadership skills I’ve gained to the next generation.”
He also shared how leadership is more than sitting on boards. It’s about serving individuals. One year, when the Plant City YMCA youth soccer program was short on volunteer coaches, he stepped up to coach a team. After one practice spent teaching the players drills, he asked them to practice at home with their parents. “I’ll never forget when one young player approached me with a sad expression and said he wouldn’t be able to practice at home because his mom had to work a lot and he didn’t have a dad,” said Jones. “I was heartbroken to see his sadness, but I reassured him that I would work on drills with him before and after each game. His face lit up with a smile that lasted the entire season.”
This was one of many experiences that showed him the power volunteering can have to directly impact the lives of people in the community.
Theresa Sessions, Executive Director, Plant City Family YMCA, noted Jones more than deserves the honor because of his relentless dedication to family and community. “The impact Jason has on our community is immeasurable, spanning years and a variety of connection points throughout our community,” she said. “He was selected this year unanimously by the Plant City YMCA board and I couldn’t be more pleased.”
Jones will be recognized at the Strong Leader Award Dinner on Thurs., Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Trinkle Center. Tickets can be purchased by emailing Sessions at Theresea.sessions@tampaymca.org.