Honoring Jodi Stevens Douglas’s Legacy of Student Health and Nutrition
INK! is honored to announce the establishment of the Jodi S. Douglas, SJCSD Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services, Memorial Scholarship, created to celebrate the life, compassion, and extraordinary service of longtime St. Johns County School District Food & Nutrition Services leader, Jodi Stephens Douglas.
Jodi Stevens Douglas, SJCSD Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services, dedicated more than two decades to ensuring students had access not only to nutritious meals, but to the care, dignity, and support they needed to thrive.
Jodi dedicated more than two decades to ensuring students had access not only to nutritious meals, but to the care, dignity, and support they needed to thrive. After earning her degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Florida, she returned to Northeast Florida in 2005 to join the St. Johns County School District, where she became an invaluable member of the Food & Nutrition Services team.
Throughout her career, Jodi helped shape districtwide nutrition programs through staff training, procurement, menu development, and mentoring future dietitians. She was deeply involved in district wellness initiatives and worked tirelessly alongside school and community partners to improve the health and well-being of students across St. Johns County.
While her professional accomplishments were remarkable, those who knew Jodi remember her most for her compassion.
She became a trusted advocate for students with complex medical and dietary needs, often meeting with families before and after work, conducting grocery store tours, and finding creative solutions that allowed children to safely participate in school meals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a vital role in coordinating meal distribution, navigating supply chain challenges, and helping ensure families facing food insecurity continued to receive nutritious meals.
Jodi believed every child deserved to be cared for. She was known for her willingness to go above and beyond, especially for students facing the greatest challenges. Her kindness, expertise, and servant’s heart left an enduring mark on countless students, families, and colleagues.
A Scholarship That Invests in Future Healthcare Leaders
To honor that legacy, family, friends, and colleagues have established the Jodi S. Douglas, SJCSD Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services, Memorial Scholarship, with INK! serving as the scholarship manager. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to graduating seniors from St. Johns County public schools as they pursue higher education, ensuring that Jodi’s commitment to helping others will continue to inspire future generations.
Meet the Inaugural Scholarship Recipient: Michalina Mihal
The inaugural recipient of the Jodi S. Douglas, SJCSD Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services, Memorial Scholarship is Michalina Mihal, a 2026
Judy Sarbu, mother of Jodi S. Douglas, and Michalina Mihal, recipient of the inaugural Jodi S. Douglas Memorial Scholarship at an awards ceremony May 11, 2026.
graduate of Pedro Menendez High School. Michalina participated for four years in Pedro Menendez High School’s Academy of Future Healthcare Professionals, where she earned valuable healthcare knowledge and career certifications while preparing for a future in health sciences. This fall, she will attend the University of Central Florida to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with the goal of becoming a pediatric nurse.
A Legacy of Compassion That Lives On
“Jodi dedicated her life to serving children with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was best for students,” said Cathy Newman, Executive Director of INK!. “Seeing the inaugural scholarship awarded to a student like Michalina, who has demonstrated a heart for serving others and plans to pursue a career in nursing, is a beautiful reflection of Jodi’s legacy. We are honored to help steward this scholarship so Jodi’s impact continues for generations to come.”
Annual Scholarship for Students Pursuing Health Sciences and Nutrition
The Jodi S. Douglas, SJCSD Assistant Director of Food & Nutrition Services, Memorial Scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduating St. Johns County public school senior pursuing a career in the health sciences, with a special emphasis on students interested in nutrition, dietetics, and related healthcare fields. Through this scholarship, Jodi’s passion for caring for children, supporting families, and improving lives through nutrition and health will continue to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.
We are especially grateful to the family and friends of Jodi Stevens Douglas for their efforts and contributions to establish this memorial scholarship in Jodi’s honor to support St. Johns County students pursue their academic goals. To learn more about the Jodi S. Douglas Memorial Scholarship or about INK!’s Senior Scholarship opportunities for graduates of St. Johns County public schools, please contact Cathy Newman at (904) 547-7120.
