John’s Island Community Service League members concluded another hugely successful season with its annual Closing Luncheon, also attended by executive directors from some of the nonprofit organizations they support.
“The Closing Luncheon is our final event of the season, a time to reflect on the year and share with you how your generosity has been put to work in the community,” said Michelle Julian, board president.
“Over the course of the year, we raised funds through events, membership dues and donations, and I’m proud to share that we have once again awarded over $2.1 million in grants and scholarships,” said Julian.
“This includes an 11.8 percent increase just in our annual grants alone over last year and an incredible 75 percent increase in scholarships awarded. To everyone who volunteered, donated, showed up at an event, joined a team, or supported us in any way, thank you very much. We truly could not do this without you,” said Julian.
After recognizing Legacy Grand Sponsor Bob Gibb and John’s Island Real Estate Company, Rennie Gibb presented Julian with a $51,800 check.
Hope Woodhouse introduced School Superintendent David Moore, the guest speaker, commenting that since his 2019 hire, Moore has led one of the most significant education turnarounds in the state of Florida, earning him the title of 2025 Florida Superintendent of the Year.
Moore previously served as principal of an alternative high school in Miami, attended by students expelled for a variety of reasons from 38 high schools. They had given up on education, he said, because public education had failed them. There, as here, a paradigm shift was needed to ensure that every decision made was in the best interests of children.
Once here, he went out into the community with data showing that despite its wealth, our county was ranked 38 out of 67 districts.
“I wanted to agitate the entire community,” said Moore, who believes every Indian River County school should be A rated.
To enact change, he empowered all employees, from janitors and bus drivers to teachers and principals, to become problem solvers and to speak up if they felt decisions made weren’t in the students’ best interests. Next, he aligned resources to achieve high yield strategies, such as training teachers so that they have the skills and abilities to meet the needs of all children.
“We’ve gone from 38th to second in the state by investing in adults,” said Moore. “In this system, we don’t lose children.
“Public education funding through the state of Florida has been stagnant for the last seven years. We do more with less. But, at the end of the day, there are opportunities to continue to grow this work,” said Moore.
Before turning the microphone over to Julian for the business portion of the meeting, Woodhouse reminded everyone to verify their voter registration and/or mail-in ballot status for the Aug. 18 primary, which determines school board, county commission and hospital district candidates.
“Your perspective on what’s happening in our school district is incredibly valuable to all of us, especially given how important education is in this community,” said Julian, thanking Moore.
Afterward, various board and committee chairs shared updates on their work.
Cathy Towles and Patricia Hoben-Carter spoke about the JICSL rigorous grants process, which culminates with funding to agencies that are the “best of the best.”
Susanna Connaughton said the JICSL Scholarship Program awarded a record-breaking $135,800 to 21 recipients.
Diane Hanauer said JICSL awarded $200,000 in Strategic Grants, about $10,000 more than last year, for initiatives primarily targeting health, housing, education and food insecurity.
Delia Willsey and Nancy Follett spoke of the numerous JICSL events, including the Opening Luncheon, Film Festival, Game Day, Masters Par 3, the “Saturday Night Fever”-themed Gala, the Rabbit Run and the Closing Luncheon.
“This has been a really remarkable year, not just because of what we raised, but because of what we were able to give back. What we do together truly makes a difference in this community, and none of it happens without all of you. Thank you for your support, your generosity and your commitment,” said Julian.
For more information, please visit JICSL.org.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
