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T HE
INK! (INVESTING IN KIDS) E-NEWS AND LATEST INTELLIGENCE
LINK
Welcome to the December 2021 Newsletter
Happy holidays and our continued, tremendous gratitude to everyone who
supports and participates in INK! (Investing in Kids) activities.
We lead many efforts that benefit educators and students in the St. Johns
County, Fla. School District as a 501(c)(3) direct support organization. Since
1994, INK! cultivates success for students and teachers through funding,
initiatives, and inspiration. We thrive, sustain and grow the resources needed
for the academic success of more than 44,000 students and approximately
2,785 teachers. INK! invites you to join in as a sponsor and partner, along with
volunteering, involvement, and more.
With the 2021 public school year coming to a close, and the 2022 public school
year about to begin, local parents, teachers and students are supported and
encouraged with INK!’s positive work in the community. We appreciate all who
give their generous time, expertise, along with valuable grants and funding.
An exciting and upcoming program for next year will include developing a
Partners in Progress series for school district new hires. Topics will include self-
care and classroom management, among many ways we will help to improve
the quality of professionals, teachers, and the learning environment in St. Johns
County. Also, we’ll be naming our Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of
the Year during an in-person banquet on January 20 along with an exciting
announcement about the organization’s rebranding.
In this issue of our bi-monthly newsletter, we will hear from board president J.
Paul Ray, MBA, who professionally serves as Director of Financial Process
Innovation at ERC (Enhanced Resource Centers) in Northeast Florida. And we’ll
feature donors and volunteers who are dedicated local leaders and always here
to help our hard-working professionals in education.
Their participation in INK! programs are so very much appreciated including
support of FLY – Five Learning Years, Make a Mark Awards, Take Stock in
Children, Teacher of the Year, and Tools 4 Schools, Digital Literacy Program,
plus activities and events for the nonprofit. Support INK! and visit the website at
https://ink-stjohns.org/donate.
Thank you.
Donna Lueders, Executive Director, INK! (Investing in Kids)
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Letter from J. Paul Ray, MBA, INK! Board President
I continue to be constantly humbled to serve as INK!’s President of the
Board of Directors and to work with many local and statewide
educational and key influencers, plus a nonprofit staff of professionals
who operate an organization with teachers and students as their
continuing focus.
What a rewarding season for INK! as October ended with three events
showcasing the incredible impact our organization makes in our
community. Davidson Cares Clay Day, the 6th Annual Jail Break 5K
presented by Old Town Trolley Tours and INK!, and the INK! Charity Pro-
Am presented by Davidson Realty Inc. all brought an overflow of
support and recognition for our programs and services. All of these
milestone events were coordinated by staff, volunteers, donors,
partners, and supporters in the timespan of just 10 days! An incredible
feat.
Congratulations to the INK! team and thank you to all of those who
volunteered to make these events the successes they were. A special
thanks to Davidson Cares, Old Town Trolley, Davidson Realty, and PXG
Women’s Match Play Championship for being a part of increasing
awareness about INK! through your support and events.
As we move into the time of year where giving is at the front of our
minds, we want to say thank you to all you who help make a positive
change on the education and future of the children in St. Johns County.
Without your generous support, we would not be able to serve the
teachers and students in our area. From myself and the INK! Board of
Directors, we wish you and your family the happiest of holiday seasons.
We are all very thankful at INK!
- J. Paul Ray, MBA, Board Presi-dent, INK! (Investing in Kids)
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Board Members & Donors
Profile of Key Donors – Missy Peters, Executive Director, Community First Credit Union’s Community
First Cares Foundation
The INK! Champions for Children project in St. Johns County is a signature program supported by the Community
First Cares Foundation, the nonprofit foundation run by Community First Credit Union.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with INK! which has been so successful during the recent four years of our
involvement,” said Missy Peters, executive director of the Community First Cares Foundation. “Community First Cares
uses the collective power of the institution along with our employees and vendors to improve opportunities for
everyone across our region.”
The Community First Cares Foundation funds high-impact projects to build healthy communities by improving
education, enhancing financial literacy, and meeting under-served needs. The foundation funds gaps in the community,
especially among many vulnerable populations. Since 2013, the Community First Cares Foundation has funded more
than $750,000 in grants and donations to programs to improve and enhance quality of life in local neighborhoods, and
has provided $57,500 in funding with Champions for Children.
“INK! Champions for Children is a vital annual program that touches hundreds of students every year,” said Peters.
“Without the support of our donors, this funding and the amazing work of Champions for Children would not be
possible.”
Missy Peters and the Foundation are loyal donors to INK!, and devoted to community involvement through the
financial institution and its charitable giving program in Northeast Florida. The Credit Union’s Champions for
Children program recently accepted applications for unique and original classroom projects in St. Johns County.
Selected projects were awarded with much needed funding for teachers’ classrooms. The Foundation supports INK!’s
activities to improve financial literacy, enhance the quality of local educational systems, and upgrade the health and
welfare of the community. For more information, visit www.communityfirstcares.org or call 904-371-8090.
This year, through the Credit Union’s Champions for Children donations, Andrea O’Brien, Elementary Media
Specialist at Durbin Creek Elementary, Pre-K through 5th grades, applied for funding and received a customized book
vending machine which dispenses books using golden tokens provided to students. The Inchy’s Bookworm Vending
Machine works by rewarding children for good behavior, good grades, and good attendance. “We believe that the
combination of vending books and our personalized reward system bridges the gap between literacy and engagement
for all students. This program is a great way we can prepare children for the future with excitement about reading books
again,” said O’Brien.
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Andrea O’Brien, Elementary Media The book vending machine at Durbin Creek Elementary can hold up to
Specialist at Durbin Creek Elementary, 20 different books in a variety of topic categories and also serves as an
Pre-K through 5th grades. award system for all school students who exemplify scholastic
achievement through points earned during Class Dojo programs and
announced on Andrea’s daily internal school broadcasts.
One of INK!’s most recent additions to its Digital Literacy
Program includes…
Included in the photo and pictured from left to right is Mark Eckstein,
Technology Support Specialist from The Webster School, Ashley Albury,
parent, and Nena Barrett, Digital Literacy Specialist from INK!
Investing in Kids (INK!) newest community effort is looking for families to assist with understanding and
using the technology tools provided by the St. Johns County School District to help our students succeed
in the classroom. INK! staff will work with individual families to gain access to and use Schoology, Home
Access Center, and online textbooks. Also, a limited number of computers and internet hot spots will be
available to help families who don’t have one or both of those items for their students to use in the home.
Any students who need a computer or internet service in their home may be eligible to receive a school
device to help with homework and to access their school textbooks. In addition, parents can use the same
device to access their child's grades and to keep up with what is happening in their classroom.
For further information, call INK! Digital Literacy Specialist Nena Barrett at (904) 530-0830.
.
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Stories with IMPACT!
To honor our Teachers and Rookie Teachers of the Year nominees…
Teachers collaborate during INK!’s T.A.L.K event held St. Johns County educators look on as a fellow teacher
11.9.21 at the link. poses a question to Ali Pressel, 2021 Teacher of the Year.
INK! Hosts 2022 Teachers of the Year and Rookie Teachers of the Year at an Elevating
Educators T.A.L.K Workshop on November 9
On November 9, INK! (Investing in Kids) hosted more than 60 educators at a T.A.L.K (Teacher
Appreciation Leadership & Knowledge) Workshop at the link in Nocatee. The 2022 Teachers and Rookie
Teachers of the Year were named and joined with previous Teachers of the Year to connect and learn more
about the upcoming awards gala in January.
The kickoff event welcomed the 2022 Teachers and Rookie Teachers into INK!’s Elevating Educators
Community. The evening included discussions about classroom management techniques, best practices
and provided an opportunity for educators to share resources and tips.
Presented by INK! and Equitable, members of the Equitable team co-hosted the event with INK! Executive
Director, Donna Lueders, and Community and District Relations Achievement Director, Cathy Newman.
The evening began with a welcome from Ryan Goodwin, Financial Advisor with Equitable and INK! Board
Member. 2021 Teacher of the Year for St. Johns County, Alicia (Ali) Pressel, Creekside High School, led
the discussion with 2018 Teacher of the Year, Amy Grimm from Julington Creek Elementary.
As each Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year introduced him or herself to the audience,
each educator received a pin highlighting their recognition as Teacher of the Year or Rookie Teacher of the
Year in a Pinning Ceremony.
Donna Lueders, Ali Pressel, and representatives of Equitable South Woods Rookie Teacher Mackay Yorkston and Teacher of the Year Linda
welcome the 2022 Teachers and Rookie Teachers of the Year to the Fuce with Jaclyn Mijuskovic of Gamble Rogers at the T.A.L.K. event.
T.A.L.K. workshop.
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@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORGRookie Teachers Make a Mark Across St. Johns County...
"The Tutoring Club of St. Johns is proud to sponsor the Make a Mark Rookie Teacher Award! Teaching is a calling
and we are proud of all of those teachers that put everything into helping our students grow and develop. Every day
they make a difference in a student, our schools, our community and our world. We are honored to honor them!
Thank you for all that you do!" - Kimberly Mullins, Director, The Tutoring Club of St. Johns
INK!'s Make a Mark Award winners include outstanding rookie teachers who receive a special award in
partnership with Tutoring Club of St. Johns. These individuals have encouraged students to make their mark on
the world. When a teacher invests in their students, they can inspire so many young people to persevere and not
give up.
Make a Mark honorees receive a gift basket of educational tools and a complimentary tutoring session for a student
of their choice from The Tutoring Club of St. Johns. Help us celebrate our rookie teachers!
In September, INK! visited 6th Grade teacher, Elena Duve, at
Pacetti Bay Middle School.
Pictured left to right: Donna Lueders, INK! Executive
Director and Elena Duve.
Kylie Shaye Benetsky of Fruit Cove Middle School was honored
in October.
Pictured left to right: Kelly Jacobson, Principal; Kylie Shaye
Benetsky, and Donna Lueders, INK! Executive Director.
INK! celebrated Savannah Martin, Bartram Trail High School , in
November.
Pictured left to right: Donna Lueders, INK! Executive Director;
Savannah Martin, and Chris Phelps, Principal.
December's Make a Mark Award recipient was Sydney Coulter,
Mill Creek Academy.
Pictured left to right: Donna Lueders INK! Executive Director;
Sydney Coulter, and Tara Tacinelli, Executive Secretary, Mill Creek
Academy.
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@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORGNews of Encouragement, Upcoming Events for INK! funding:
Major fundraisers yield more this year to help teachers and students in our County…
Our appreciation is boundless as we embarked upon INK!’s inaugural Pro-am Golf Tournament with
Davidson Realty, Inc. and the PXG Women’s Professional Match Play Championship.
With the best combined score from competing in the Davidson Cares Clay Day and INK! Charity Pro-Am,
Vallencourt Construction Company won the "Davidson Double Down" trophy. Pictured here from left to
right: Jim Davidson, Kyle Gammon, Vallencourt, Sherry Davidson and Donna Lueders.
INK! Charity Pro-Am presented by Davidson Realty, Inc. raises $50,000 from St. Johns County’s First
Professional Women’s Golf Tournament in October
The St. Johns County Education Foundation, Inc. which operates as INK! (Investing in Kids) a 501(c)(3) non-
profit, received top-level sponsorship from local real estate firm, Davidson Realty, Inc. for the inaugural INK!
Charity Pro-Am , and more than $50,000 from the overall PXG Women’s Professional Match Play Championship
hosted at World Golf Village in October at World Golf Village. The fundraiser was a part of the Women’s All Pro-
Tour, a developmental level tour for aspiring LPGA professionals.
According to INK! Executive Director, Donna Lueders, the organization was pleased to accept the initial $15,000
donation to participate as key beneficiary of the event from Sherry Davidson, Co-Founder and President of
Davidson Realty and its sister companies. Davidson also serves as a longtime member on INK!’s Board of
Directors. The additional $50,000 donation to support INK!’s programs and services was from golfers, sponsors,
and contributors who participated in the Pro-Am golf event in St. Augustine, Fla. The Pro-Am attracted 32 teams
with three amateur golfers competing on a team along with one professional female golf athlete.
Special recognition and thanks were bestowed on Vallencourt Construction Company of Green Cove Springs for
the firm’s participation and support as a key sponsor in the golf tournament and also as a sponsor of a recent INK!
fundraiser, Davidson Cares Clay Day. The Davidson event contributed $25,000 to INK! in October. The “Davidson
Double Down” won by Vallencourt included the best combined score from the company’s participation in
Davidson Cares Clay Day and the Pro-Am. Local companies who participated as sponsors of the INK! Charity Pro-
Am included Mastercraft Builder Group, Matthews Design Group, Ring Power and Providence Homes.
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@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORGNews of Encouragement, Upcoming Events for INK! funding:
The INK! Charity Pro-Am presented by Davidson Realty on October 25 kicked off a ten-day celebration of
women’s and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the center of which was a two-tournament series
of professional women’s golf.
Said Lueders, “INK! fit right in as the Official Charity Partner of the PXG Women’s Match Play Championship
since the overall tournament week focused on creating opportunities. We applaud all of our sponsors and players
who are making a financial investment in our public schools. This is a major fundraiser for the organization, and
the most money we have ever received from a single event. We are thrilled.”
The Ring Power Pro-Am Team poses for a photo on the 14th hole at the King & Bear. The First Tee Pro-Am team sponsored by Baptist Health.
Donna Lueders and Sherry Davidson at the Pro-Am Awards
St. Johns County Teacher of the Year 2021, Alicia Pressel, Donna
Ceremony.
Lueders and Cathy Newman at the Pro-Am Pairings Party October 24
at Caddyshack.
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@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORGNews of Encouragement, Upcoming Events for INK! funding:
Beaver Toyota Delivers Over $16,000 in Grants to Fund Innovative Projects In St.
Johns County Classrooms
We are very grateful for the “Beaver Prize Patrol” and 16 grants delivered to eleven St. Johns County
schools in November. Bucky the Beaver visited schools throughout St. Johns County from PVPV/
Rawlings in Ponte Vedra Beach to Creekside High School in St. Johns to South Woods in Elkton. In total,
Beaver Toyota awarded $16,043.50 in grants during this special time of year.
Some highlights:
Creekside High School "Project GAMES" (Games as Means for English Speaking) – Students in the
teaching academy will use funds to invest in games that will allow them to work with students in the ESL
(English as a Second Language) program to improve their English-speaking and social skills.
PVPV/Rawlings "STEM, Grit & Gifted World Changes" – Educator Amy Brimm will employ funding for
this project in her gifted students classes at schools around the County, including PVPV/Rawlings,
Osceola, South Woods, Gamble Rogers, and in St. Johns Virtual Schools.
Sebastian Middle School "Art Impact Schools" – Art Educator Heather Hagy will use the funds to
purchase a number of innovative supplies to use in her visual arts classes.
The St. Johns County Center for the Arts at R.J. Murray Middle School – A grant was awarded to theater
educator, Joanne Nance, to assist with the costs associated with the production of Disney's The Lion
King, Jr. by the Murray Players performed live at The AMP for St. Johns School District students from
across the county and the community on Dec. 7.
Mill Creek Academy - Katelyn Mayer requested funds to purchase math manipulatives for her 1st grade
students. The funding will provide math tools for students to use in classroom math centers to develop
and improve their math skills. The grant will also be shared with additional first grade educators and
extended into other classrooms.
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@INK_INVESTINGINKIDS • WWW.INK-STJOHNS.ORGGive, then spread the word. Contact us about your events,
sponsorship and donor interests, and how we can work
together to help teachers and students in St. Johns County.
Tell your friends and family about this worthy cause. There is
no better way to make an impact than to become an active
advocate yourself. Your donation allows us to connect people
and create partnerships in our community. We fund projects
with our partners, seeking innovative solutions for learning.
To donate, visit:
ink-stjohns.org/donate
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