He’s a local icon, and now the Plant City Family YMCA’s Strong Leader Award winner for 2024 – Jason Jones has a new accolade to his ever-growing list. With about 250 in attendance at the Trinkle Center, he was honored by the YMCA with the annual award, which was created to recognize individuals who truly demonstrate the core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. A dedicated community leader, Vice Mayor and former YMCA Board Chair, Jason has shown relentless commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. His remarkable contributions include founding Plant City’s Youth Leadership Commission and serving in numerous local and regional roles.
Matt Mitchell, President & CEO, Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA noted Jason’s many YMCA milestones.
“We are proud of the fact that Jason began his volunteering and leadership journey with the Plant City YMCA Board, which he then chaired. He has been a Plant City Y member for over 15 years now. Jason also served on the Tampa Y Oversight Committee for several years and made our organization stronger with his contributions. His long list of support and achievements for Plant City ranges from being the recently named Vice Mayor of the Plant City Commission to starting Plant City’s first Youth Leadership Commission, which educated high school students about local government and leadership skills – all of these are testaments to his continuous diligence and commitment in making the community better.”
He also appreciated all the guests.
“I also want to take a moment to thank all of you for being here. Your support of tonight’s celebration will allow Plant City Y to continue to offer much-needed services to children and families in the community. All of the proceeds raised this evening go directly back to Plant City! Tonight’s dinner helps support services like our drowning prevention programs, preventative health offerings and literacy initiatives.”
“Because of you, thousands of kids and families will be enabled to live healthier and happier lives. YMCA programs will help children succeed in school and provide seniors with the opportunity to connect with others. Our programs provide cancer survivors support during their cancer journey and offer opportunities for adults to develop healthy lifestyle habits through our evidence-based health initiatives. Your gifts help ensure our doors are open to all – providing the opportunity for everyone to have access to our services and to reach their full potential at our Y. All of this, right here, in Plant City!” President Mitchell added.
Theresa Sessions, Executive Director, Plant City YMCA echoed similar sentiments.
“It was a great honor for me to present Jason Jones with the 2024 Strong Leader award. The impact Jason has on the Y and the community is truly felt by so many. The food provided by Johnson Barbecue was excellent. Rick Lott set the tone for a fun and energetic evening. Mayor Nathan Kilton brought humor in sharing stories about Jason. Not only did we hear many of the ways Jason has made a difference in the Y, our community, and individuals’ lives but it was also a reminder of all the amazing things we have right here in Plant City. We are grateful to have had Unity in the Community as the presenting sponsor, and the Strawberry Festival plus Hungry Howie’s Plant City as Friends of the Y sponsors.”
Jason thanked Theresa and all the organizers/supporters for the celebration.
“I am honored. Thank you for a wonderful event! It not only filled my heart with joy, but also showcased what makes Plant City so very special!”
Congratulations Jason!
