Canton's FlameGuard Triumphs with Global Entrepreneurship Award in 2025

Canton Students Awarded for Entrepreneurship

On March 11, 2025, the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award was awarded to a remarkable team of students from Canton, Ohio, who formed the company FlameGuard through Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio. This honor emphasizes their commitment to fire safety, emerging from a tragic incident that struck their community in 2023.

FlameGuard was established in the aftermath of a devastating fire in Jackson Township that tragically resulted in the deaths of Jeffrey and Talia Hawk and their children, Amelia and Javen. The team members, motivated by this tragedy, set out on a mission to enhance fire safety and create safer living spaces for families. Zach Ferguson, the Chief Financial Officer of FlameGuard, expressed the team's gratitude, stating, "It truly means a lot for us to help our community and spread awareness that house fires can affect anyone."

Established by Ralph de la Vega, a former tech leader and CEO of ATT Mobile and Business Solutions, the De La Vega Global Entrepreneurship Award represents the highest accolade achievable within Junior Achievement USA. The prestigious award recognizes the Company of the Year teams from JA Worldwide's six regional organizations. FlameGuard's recognition as a finalist among these ranks showcases the team's diligence and innovation in tackling pressing community issues.

Joshua Lehman, the president of Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio, remarked, "The accomplishment of FlameGuard highlights the resilience and creativity of our young entrepreneurs. Their dedication not only serves as a tribute to the victims of the Jackson Township fire but also works towards a safer future for our entire community. We are immensely proud of their impact and achievements."

The flagship product produced by FlameGuard is a comprehensive fire safety kit, catering to varying household needs. Available in two configurations, a one-story kit priced at $69.99 and a two-story kit for $129.99, each kit comprises essential fire safety equipment. The kits include a fire extinguisher, fire blanket, smoke detector, burn gel, heat-resistant gloves, and a respirator mask. For two-story homes, the kit also provides a 13-foot ladder, ensuring accessibility and preparedness in case of emergencies.

The JA Company Program, which is the oldest hands-on entrepreneurial initiative, empowers students to create real businesses that fulfill genuine market needs. This program not only teaches them how to build, market, and sell products but also educates them on managing profits and financial dealings. Local competitions serve as the entry point, with high-performing teams getting the opportunity to compete at national and regional levels.

Prior to the De La Vega Award's inception, the highest recognition a JA student team could receive was top honors in one of the regional contests. Now, with this new global platform, students have a chance to showcase their innovations on a greater scale.

As Junior Achievement continues its mission of equipping youth with vital knowledge and entrepreneurial skills, it reaches millions of students worldwide. In the United States alone, over 4.6 million students benefit yearly from JA's comprehensive programs delivered by dedicated corporate and community volunteers. The organization is actively expanding its services to cater to young adults aged 18 to 25 and offers early foundation courses for pre-k children, ensuring a holistic approach to education in entrepreneurship and financial literacy.

For further insight into Junior Achievement and its impactful programs, visit www.ja.org.