Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana’s Volunteer of the Year
Honoring David Callan: A Legacy of Leadership, Dedication, and Storytelling
Author: Jillian Cantu
Community Involvement
Published:
Wednesday, 19 Mar 2025
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Image caption: David Callan, Jennifer Helgeson, David Lamb
This year, Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana is honored to recognize David Callan as our Volunteer of the Year—a man whose passion and dedication have left a lasting imprint on JA, the Kentuckiana Business Hall of Fame, and WDRB.
For years, David has worked tirelessly behind the scenes, ensuring that events run flawlessly and that students receive the hands-on learning experiences they need to thrive. As a longtime producer at WDRB, he shaped how news was told, bringing professionalism, precision, and passion to every broadcast. Even in retirement, David continues to shape the future as he leads the production program at Jeffersonville High School, mentoring the next generation of storytellers and broadcasters.
Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana President, Jennifer Helgeson, shared heartfelt words about David’s contributions: “I guarantee you’ve seen his work. David has always been the one working diligently behind the scenes, making sure everything runs seamlessly and flawlessly.” One of David’s most notable contributions has been his work on the Kentuckiana Business Hall of Fame, where he has overseen production for years. Whether it was creating laureate videos or managing the flow of the event, David ensured everything was executed to perfection.
Beyond event production, his legacy extends into JA BizTown, where he played a pivotal role in bringing the WDRB storefront to life. Thanks to David’s vision, thousands of students have had the opportunity to step into the roles of reporters, anchors, meteorologists, and CEOs—gaining real-world experience that will serve them well into the future. “David, your passion, dedication, and ability to elevate everything you touch— while staying humbly behind the scenes—are what make you such an invaluable mentor and leader.” added Helgeson.
While David has never sought recognition for his efforts we take a moment to turn the spotlight on him. On behalf of WDRB, Junior Achievement, and the entire Kentuckiana community, we thank you, David, for your unwavering dedication. Your work has shaped lives, inspired future generations, and elevated everything you've touched.
For more information about Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana and how you can get involved, please visit www.jaky.org.
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