"Taking a page from READ USA, when we tackle literacy, we create opportunities to improve outcomes across every area of life—from education and careers to healthcare and beyond."

That was the message Mayor Donna Deegan shared with READ USA Summer Leadership Academy students during their visit to Jacksonville City Hall, reinforcing READ USA's belief that literacy is the foundation for lifelong success and prepares young people for meaningful careers, civic engagement, and leadership.

Drawing from her own journey through journalism, nonprofit leadership, and public office, Mayor Deegan encouraged students to remain curious, build meaningful relationships, and stay open to opportunities that may lead them in unexpected directions. She reminded students that every experience—both successes and challenges—can help shape future leaders and strengthen the communities they serve.

Mayor Deegan also shared her vision for Jacksonville, discussing the City's efforts to expand opportunity, strengthen neighborhoods, create more career pathways for young people, and build a community where residents from every background can thrive. Her remarks reinforced that helping children read today prepares them to become tomorrow's leaders, professionals, and engaged citizens.

READ USA is deeply grateful to Mayor Donna Deegan for investing her time, wisdom, and encouragement in our Summer Leadership Academy students. Her visit highlighted the powerful connection between literacy, leadership, and service—reminding students that the ability to read, think critically, and communicate effectively opens doors to limitless possibilities.

Volunteer Florida CEO Visits Summer Leadership Academy  

“Find your passion, live with purpose, and persevere through every challenge. Let those three principals guide your decisions about your life and your career.”

Those words became the guiding message of Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo's return visit to our Summer Leadership Academy, inspiring students to think boldly about their futures while embracing lives rooted in service, leadership, and resilience.

Returning for her second visit with our Summer Leadership Academy teens, Tamayo shared her remarkable career journey—from serving as a judge to leading Volunteer Florida, the state's commission for AmeriCorps. Influenced from both her professional experiences and personal values, she encouraged students to pursue lives rooted in passion, purpose, and perseverance while reminding them that some of the most meaningful careers begin with a commitment to serving others.

Tamayo also introduced students to AmeriCorps, encouraging them to consider service as a pathway to leadership, professional growth, and future career opportunities. Through real-world experiences and community impact, she demonstrated how service can help develop the skills, confidence, and connections that prepare young people for success long after their term of service ends. Her message reinforced the powerful idea that meaningful leadership begins with a willingness to serve, a commitment to continuous learning, and the courage to lead with purpose.

Hosted at JWB Real Estate Capital, students began the afternoon with a behind-the-scenes tour of the company's downtown Jacksonville headquarters. As they explored different departments throughout the office, they gained a firsthand look at the many professionals and career paths that work together to support the company's mission. The experience offered students a broader understanding of the real estate industry while demonstrating how collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment contribute to the continued growth and revitalization of downtown Jacksonville.

JWB President Alex Sifakis then shared his own career journey and discussed the company's role in shaping Jacksonville's future. He encouraged students to remain curious, embrace new opportunities, and recognize that there is no single path to a successful career. One piece of advice especially resonated with students: don't wait until you have 100 percent of the information to make a decision. Instead, he encouraged them to take thoughtful action once they have enough information to move forward, reminding them that growth often requires stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing calculated risks.

The afternoon concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants asked thoughtful questions about career decisions, overcoming challenges, and finding purpose through service. The discussion encouraged the teens to think beyond traditional career paths and recognize that leadership can be found in every profession when paired with a desire to make a positive impact.

READ USA extends its sincere appreciation to Volunteer Florida CEO Josie Tamayo, JWB President Alex Sifakis, and the entire JWB Real Estate Capital team for investing in our Summer Leadership Academy students and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

As our teens continue exploring future career pathways through the Summer Leadership Academy, experiences like these remind them that success is measured not only by the careers they pursue, but by the lives they impact along the way.

Where Leadership Meets Service  

Leadership is learned not only in the classroom, but through the people we meet and the experiences that challenge us to see our communities in new ways. Throughout Week 5 of our Summer Leadership Academy, students stepped beyond the classroom to explore Jacksonville's civic institutions, connect with community leaders, and gain a deeper understanding of how service, leadership, and collaboration strengthen the city they call home.

Students began the week with a visit to the State Attorney's Office, where they toured the historic courthouse and learned about the building's rich history while gaining a deeper understanding of the justice system. Students explored the trial exhibit studio, visited the courthouse basement, and heard from a forensic artist who demonstrated how crime scene models are used during investigations. They also met with investigators and discovered the many career opportunities available within the legal profession, forensic science, and public service.

During their visit to Jacksonville City Hall, Councilman Chris Miller shared his inspiring journey from a childhood shaped by reading to a distinguished military career and, ultimately, public service. He encouraged students to remain open to careers in local, state, and federal government, reminding them that leadership begins with a heart for service and that they may never fully realize the impact they can have on others. Although Councilman Dr. Rahman Johnson was unable to attend, we look forward to him speaking with our students during week 6.

Students also heard from members of Mayor Donna Deegan's leadership team, including Pat McCollough, Dr. Parvez Ahmed, Melissa Ross, Charles Griggs, Lynn Sherman, and Dr. Rudy F. Jamison Jr., who shared how their diverse professional journeys led them to careers in public service. Representing backgrounds in healthcare, education, communications, business, community engagement, and public administration, each panelist demonstrated that leadership doesn't follow a single path. Instead, they encouraged students to remain curious, embrace new opportunities, learn from setbacks, and recognize that every career can become an opportunity to serve others and strengthen their community. Following the discussion, students toured City Hall for a behind-the-scenes look at how local government serves Jacksonville residents each day.

The week's experiences also included a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (MOCA), where students toured exhibitions featuring the work of University of North Florida student artists and explored the museum's education spaces. Through the experience, students were encouraged to think creatively, engage with different perspectives, and recognize how art and culture contribute to vibrant communities.

A huge thank you to Mayor Donna Deegan, Councilman Chris Miller, the State Attorney's Office, Pat McCollough, Dr. Parvez Ahmed, Melissa Ross, Charles Griggs, Lynn Sherman, Dr. Rudy F. Jamison Jr., and the teams at Jacksonville City Hall and MOCA for generously investing their time, knowledge, and experiences in our students.

As the Summer Leadership Academy enters its final weeks, experiences like these continue to demonstrate that leadership begins with curiosity, grows through service, and is strengthened by literacy.

To every community partner who opened a door, shared your story, and invested in our students—thank you. Your time, wisdom, and commitment are helping shape Jacksonville's future leaders, and READ USA is grateful for your partnership in making these experiences possible.

Books, Fresh Food, and a Stronger Community 

Supporting children and families takes a community working together.

READ USA was proud to partner with Feeding Northeast Florida at Jacksonville Police Athletic League (JaxPAL) Summer Camp sites, helping ensure families left with both fresh food, free books, and Legos to enjoy at home.

As parents and caregivers picked up their children from summer camp, they also had the opportunity to receive fresh produce and groceries from Feeding Northeast Florida's Mobile Pantry while children selected free books from the READ USA table. Kiddos also got to go home with a free Lego set. Together, the partnership supported both immediate needs and long-term learning by providing families with nutritious food and access to books during the summer months.

Despite the summer heat, our incredible READ USA volunteers greeted families with smiles, helped children choose books, and shared the joy of reading. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to serve our community while advancing READ USA's mission of ensuring every child reads on grade level and develops a lifelong love of reading.

Team READ USA also extends a huge thank you to Susan King, President and CEO of Feeding Northeast Florida, and the entire Feeding Northeast Florida team for inviting us to participate in this meaningful community partnership. We are equally grateful to Jacksonville Police Athletic League (JaxPAL) for providing a welcoming environment where children and families could connect with valuable support throughout the summer.

Together, partnerships like these strengthen our community by ensuring families have access to fresh food, engaging books, and the support they need to help children thrive—both during the summer and beyond.

Children’s Book: Skybound! By Sue Ganz- Schmitt  

READ USA is continuing to feature the Top 10 Finalists for the 2025-2026 Florida Literacy Association Children’s Book Award in our weekly children’s book review. There were 10 finalists in the Grades K-2 category and 10 for the Grades 3-5 category for a total of 20 books.

To view the full list of finalists, click here.

This Week’s Featured Book: Skybound! By Sue Ganz- Schmitt  

Top 10 Finalist – 2025–2026 Florida Literacy Association Children’s Book Award (Grades 3–5)  

Get ready to soar. Skybound! tells the inspiring true story of Bessie Coleman, a woman who refused to let barriers define her future.  

At a time when opportunities were limited, Coleman pursued her dream of becoming a pilot with determination and courage. Her journey was not easy—but it was extraordinary.

The storytelling brings her perseverance to life, showing readers what it means to chase a dream, even when the path is unclear. Themes of resilience, ambition, and breaking barriers shine throughout.

This is the kind of story that lifts readers up—reminding them that the sky is not the limit, but just the beginning.