Barbie Monty: A Junior Achievement Hero Honored at the ReliaQuest Bowl
Barbie Monty

In the world of education, there are individuals whose dedication and commitment go above and beyond expectations, leaving a lasting impact on their students and communities. Barbie Monty is one of those exceptional people, and recently, her incredible contributions to Junior Achievement were honored in a spectacular way.

Barbie Monty, a dedicated Fifth Grade teacher at Carrollwood Day School, was recognized for her unwavering commitment to shaping the future of young students. For an astounding 18 years, Mrs. Monty has been taking her students to JA BizTown, where they immerse themselves in a real-world, hands-on business experience that teaches them critical financial literacy and career readiness skills. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her students are prepared for this experience, making her a standout educator in the eyes of Junior Achievement.

To honor her contributions, Barbie was invited to the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year’s Eve to be celebrated in front of thousands as a Make it Possible Honoree. At the end of the third quarter, Junior Achievement honored her remarkable contributions to JA Tampa Bay and her dedication to making a difference in students' lives. She was accompanied by her husband Vinnie, also a devoted long-time CDS employee, who proudly shared in the celebration.

Barbie shared her thoughts on the recognition, saying “It was truly an incredible experience and honor that stands out as a defining highlight of my years as an educator. Witnessing students’ growth, creativity, and enthusiasm while preparing them for their visit to Junior Achievement's BizTown is always so inspiring and fulfilling. Moments like these remind me why I am so passionate about teaching, as they not only bring joy but also reaffirm the importance of nurturing curiosity and potential in every student. Being honored at the Reliaquest Bowl by Junior Achievement will undoubtedly remain a cherished memory and will be added to the numerous others that I have had the privilege of experiencing during my amazing career at CDS.”

Mrs. Monty's unwavering dedication to the students of Carrollwood Day School, and continuing to make Junior Achievement’s mission a reality for our students, exemplifies what it means to be a true Patriot. Her recognition as a Make it Possible Honoree is a testament to her tireless efforts in bringing learning to life and empowering students to achieve their fullest potential. We are incredibly grateful that Junior Achievement showcased our dedicated faculty member and that they allow us to be a part of their program year after year! And thank you, Mrs. Monty, for making a difference every day and for reminding us all of the transformative power of education.

Click here for more information about Junior Achievement and JA BizTown.