2023 Volunteer in Action
Community Volunteer
Jackie Lawson
Following her retirement as a yard duty aide at Competitive Edge Charter Academy, Lawson continues to serve the students, teachers and community. She is an integral part of the school family, and her presence is an inspiration.
Bright and early each school day, Lawson is either helping teachers prepare or ensuring the administrative office runs smoothly. She finds the most joy in leading third grade reading groups. These students look forward to their reading time with “Ms. Jackie.” Within these groups, her commitment to education and students is evident.
Lawson has made a tremendous impact at Competitive Edge Charter Academy. Students, teachers and staff enjoy working with her and learning from her kindness and wisdom. Her willingness to help and support anyone who asks has undoubtedly had a positive influence on campus and with the students. “Mrs. Lawson commits her time to our staff and students which is a testament to her belief in our education system and everyone involved in it,” shared Joe Mead, Principal of Competitive Edge Charter Academy.
Lawson’s dedication to the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District has remained even through her retirement, where she continues to commit her spare time to service and education. Her dedication to Competitive Edge Charter Academy and its students and staff is the purest expression of volunteerism and service.
“Jackie’s commitment to students and teachers and her willingness to give her time so openly to support others is an inspiration for our entire Competitive Edge Charter Academy family. We feel so fortunate to have her on our campus,” shared Mead.
Service Group
Music Changing Lives
Music Changing Lives, a non-profit organization founded by Chief Executive Officer Josiah Bruny, is the recipient of the 2023 Education Medal of Honor, Volunteer in Action/Service Group.
The mission of Music Changing Lives is to empower minority and at-promise students in underserved communities through high-quality music and art enrichment programs. Music Changing Lives is a rapidly growing after-school program in the Inland Empire. The organization provides students a safe space to work on homework, receive tutoring and learn the power of self-expression through various art mediums.
In addition to music and art, Music Changing Lives recently partnered with the Inland Empire Health Plan and Inland Empire Resource Conservation District to teach students about agricultural business and how to reduce their carbon footprint.
One judge commented, “I am impressed with an after-school program that not only helps students with their homework but continues the fine arts. I am even more astounded by the farm-to-table concept of teaching students about agriculture and the benefit of spending time outside.”
Bruny’s vision to change students’ lives through music, art, civic engagement, environmental education and financial literacy has undoubtedly come to fruition as today’s youth begin to step into roles of leadership and influence. Music Changing Lives is proving to be a game changer for the youth of the Inland Empire, and as a result, more and more students are learning how to make a difference in the world by utilizing their talents, unique perspectives and voices.
Jenny Owen
Director, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations
For additional information, please call 909.386.2413.
601 North E Street
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0020