Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida honored more than 250 volunteer consultants and educators who teach and support the organization's economic programs in the classroom.

The following teachers, principals and volunteer consultants were recognized as this year's Champions at a reception held at Florida Gulf Coast University's Whitaker Hall.

In Collier County, James Ragusa of Gulf Coast High School was honored as Champion Teacher. Ragusa also trained and organized eight senior students to teach Junior Achievement classes at Laurel Oak Elementary School. Champion Volunteer Consultant is Hilary Nicholson of Spyglass Capital.

In Lee County, Pat Farrell of Cypress Lake High School was honored as Champion Teacher, and Angela M. Mitchell of General Electric Co. as Champion Volunteer Consultant.

In Charlotte County, Champion Principal is Dr. Catherine C. Witt of Sallie Jones Elementary School, and the Champion Teacher is Michelle Smallwood of Sallie Jones Elementary School. John Berkley of Wachovia Bank was recognized as the Champion Volunteer Consultant.

The President's Award was presented to Victoria Stephan, president of Junior Achievement, and Richard Klein of Appraisal Consultants of Southwest Florida, Inc. Klein serves as a volunteer consultant and was one of the founding members of Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida.

Junior Achievement is the world's largest and fastest-growing organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and free enterprise. JA reaches more than four million students through 156 offices nationwide and nearly two million students in 112 countries worldwide.