Brookline Soccer Coach, Christianpalooza Volunteer Wins Public Service Award

Jamie Jackson is amazing, according to her friend and fellow volunteer Maria Vondas.

Vondas said she was excited—but not surprised—to hear that Jackson is one of 12 recipients of the Jefferson Award for Public Service, presented by Highmark, Inc. to employees who show exceptional volunteerism.

"If you ever need anything, she's your go-to person," Vondas said.

Jackson is a volunteer coach with Brookline Youth Soccer Association, who also is involved with Boy Scouts of America, as well as a number of church and school groups.

She was the first soccer coach Vondas's oldest son Christian ever had, and months before Christian died of an illness at age 9, Jackson organized the first Christianpalooza event to honor him.

"She managed to get a venue, food and entertainment in three weeks, and she pulled it off," Vondas said. "She and I have pretty much split the responsibilities as a fundraiser since."

Jackson works as an investigation analyst in Highmark's financial investment and provider review department.

For more information about the Jefferson Awards, and to see the other winners, click here.

Jackson could not be reached for comment prior to the publication of this article.

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