As we reflect on 2025, one thing is clear: INK!’s impact is powered by community. Because of the generosity of our donors, partners, volunteers, and advocates, students and educators across St. Johns County public schools received the support they needed to thrive—academically, emotionally, and professionally.
This year was marked by meaningful moments and measurable results—from celebrating exceptional teachers to investing in literacy, classrooms, and student success. Together, we built momentum that will carry us well into 2026. Here’s a look back at the people, programs, and partnerships that defined the year.
January | Honoring Excellence in Education
We began the year by celebrating outstanding educators at the Teacher and Rookie Teacher of the Year Celebration. Teachers from across the district were recognized for their dedication, leadership, and impact—setting the tone for a year focused on gratitude and excellence.
February | Five Learning Years: A Decade of Building Strong Readers
Early literacy took center stage as Five Learning Years (FLY) marked 10 years of helping our youngest students build critical reading skills. Through targeted small-group instruction and support, FLY supported students during the most important years of learning—often closing literacy gaps entirely. During the 24-25 school year, FLY served 425 students countywide, dramatically reducing, and often closing, early literacy gaps, with students making significant gains in reading skills and 96% of teachers reporting positive impact.
March | Family Literacy Nights Bring Reading to Life
During the 2024-2025 school year, INK! with our community partners, high school student volunteers, and the support of the St. Johns County School District, hosted 12 Family Literacy Nights that brought families and school communities together around the joy of reading. These vibrant events introduced families to Florida’s New Worlds Reading Initiative and offered hands-on, engaging experiences that empowered families with information and techniques to support literacy at home.
April | Tee Off Fore Education: A New Tradition Begins
April marked the launch of our inaugural Tee Off Fore Education Golf Scramble. Thanks to our generous sponsors, golfers, and volunteers, this new event raised vital funds for INK! programs while building strong community connections in support of public education. Save the Date: Tee Off Fore Education returns to the Golf Club at South Hampton on March 27, 2026! Click HERE for more information.
May | Celebrating the 25th Take Stock in Children-St. Johns Graduating Class
In May we celebrated a milestone moment—the 25th graduating class of Take Stock in Children St. Johns County crossed the stage. These graduates reflect remarkable perseverance and the life-changing power of mentorship and long-term investment in students’ futures. The 2025 Class of Take Stock-St. Johns earned over $95,000 in scholarship dollars to support their continued education in college and career training.
June | 2024–2025 Impact: Results That Matter
June was a time to reflect on the collective impact of the 2024–2025 school year and the difference your support made for students and educators across St. Johns County:
-
Five Learning Years (FLY) helped 425 of our youngest readers made significant gains with early intervention closing literacy gaps during the most critical years of learning.
-
PIVOT supported students in alternative education with intensive mentoring and tutoring that drove academic growth and reduced recidivism from 22% to 7%.
-
Tools 4 Schools delivered essential classroom supplies valued at more than $140,000 to 950+ teachers at every public school in the county—reducing out-of-pocket costs, supporting effective teaching, and ensuring that over 19,000 students had the tools needed for academic success.
-
Senior Scholarships helped 18 graduating seniors from six St. Johns County public high schools take their next steps toward college and career pathways awarding over $50,000 to defray the costs of college, university, and technical school.
-
SJC Educators Thriving supported teacher well-being, resilience, and retention—providing a unique professional development experience helping teachers remain energized and strengthening classrooms across the district. Upon completion of the program, 85% of participants indicated an intention to remain in education for the next 5 years.
Together, these programs delivered meaningful, measurable outcomes for students and educators countywide.
July | Back to School: Supporting Educators from Day One
As the new school year approached, INK! welcomed new teachers and staff during SJCSD Induction, supported the Title I Teacher Professional Development Conference, and continued investing in educator well-being—ensuring teachers started the year supported, energized, and inspired.
August | The Power of Community Support
August showcased the power of community through Tools 4 Schools. Thanks to generous donors, local businesses, and volunteers, our summer collection drive and Stuff the Bus events ensured teachers and students across the county had the supplies they needed to start the school year prepared, confident, and classroom-ready.
September | Education Matters: Community, Leadership, & Vision
At the Education Matters Community Dinner, supporters, educators, and community leaders came together to celebrate public education and its impact. We were also proud to welcome Dr. Brennan Asplen as the new Superintendent of St. Johns County Schools, marking an exciting new chapter for our district.
October | Partnerships in Action
October highlighted what’s possible when community partners rally around education and showcased the impact of collaboration:
-
The 9th Annual Jail Break 5K, co-hosted with Old Town Trolley Tours, set a race record with 900+ registered participants
-
FPL invested $50,000 in a STEM Classroom Makeover Grant for R.J. Murray Middle School and over $7,000 in professional learning support to EmPOWER STEM Educators inspiring the next generation of problem solvers, inventors, and life changers
-
Beaver Toyota St. Augustine and INK! partnered to award $25,000 to local teachers through a DonorsChoose Match campaign amplifying the impact of individual donations and bringing over 80 projects to life across the county
-
Champions for Children Classroom Grants powered by Community First CARES Foundation and INK! awarded over $26,000 to fuel innovative projects in classrooms around the county
-
The United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties awarded INK! a $15,000 Student Mental Health Grant to support the Sources of Strength programs at middle and high schools around the county
- Jim Davidson’s 10th Annual Davidson Cares Clay Day raised $12,000 to fund Take Stock in Children Scholarships investing in our students’ futures
Each partnership multiplied impact—directly benefiting teachers and students.
November | Kicking Off Another Year of Teacher Recognition
We officially launched the 2025-2026 Teacher and Rookie Teacher of the Year season with our annual Kick-Off Social at The Tringali Barn, celebrating this year’s nominees and reaffirming our commitment to honoring excellence in education.
December | Teacher of the Year Finalists Prize Patrol
We closed the year with joy and surprise during the Teacher of the Year Finalists Prize Patrol, recognizing our outstanding educators and reminding them how deeply valued they are by this community.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we move into 2026, we do so with gratitude and momentum—committed to building on the impact of this year and continuing to invest in St. Johns County public schools, educators, and students. Thank you for standing with INK! and for helping create brighter futures for the children we serve. We wish you a happy, successful, and impactful 2026.💙
