After six weeks of career exploration, leadership development, and hands-on learning, READ USA's Summer Leadership Academy concluded with its Capstone Presentations, where students confidently showcased the careers they aspire to pursue and the purpose behind their goals.
As the culminating project, each student researched a career of interest and created a presentation exploring the profession, the education and skills required, employment outlook, and the impact that career can have on addressing a real community need. Students then presented their projects to more than 20 community leaders, business professionals, educators, and READ USA leaders serving as reviewers, including Duval County Clerk of Courts Jody Phillips, Duval County School Board Member Cindy Pearson, and Mike Ramirez, Chief of Staff for Duval County Public Schools. Through thoughtful conversations and questions, students shared their research, aspirations, and future plans while receiving valuable feedback and encouragement from experienced professionals.
Throughout the presentations, students demonstrated the confidence, professionalism, and communication skills they developed over the course of six weeks. Reviewers praised the depth of their research, noting that students confidently answered every question, maintained strong eye contact, introduced themselves professionally, and clearly articulated the "why" behind their chosen careers.
"I am so, so encouraged by your generation that you care and that you want to go into fields where you see a community impact," said Duval County School Board Member Cindy Pearson.
Many reviewers also reflected on how impressed they were by the students' level of preparation and purpose. Several remarked that they never had opportunities like this at the same age and admired how these young leaders had already begun identifying careers that align with their passions and desire to make a positive impact in their communities.
"I was just so impressed… they were grounded in their why… you're already ahead of the game," said Mike Ramirez, Chief of Staff for Duval County Public Schools.
Over the past six weeks, students visited businesses, healthcare organizations, government offices, nonprofit organizations, and community institutions throughout Jacksonville, meeting professionals from a wide variety of career fields. The Capstone Presentations brought those experiences full circle, giving students the opportunity to reflect on everything they had learned while confidently presenting their vision for the future.
Many reviewers shared how deeply the students had impacted them.
"Being here with you, being able to talk with you, really inspired me to go do more and be better and give back even more," said Dr. Renee Lawson.
"Over the past six weeks, we've had the privilege of equipping you with new experiences, character-building resources, and the confidence to pursue your goals," said READ USA President & CEO Dr. Rob Kelly. "We believe in every one of you, and we're counting on you to take the next step toward your career goal. The future of our community depends on young leaders like you who are willing to learn, grow, and make a difference."
Team READ USA extends our heartfelt gratitude to all the community leaders, professionals, educators, board members, and volunteers who generously served as reviewers, investing their time, encouragement, and expertise in our students. We are especially grateful to READ USA Founder Ellen Wiss, Board Members Margaret Sherrill, Dr. Rudy F. Jamison Jr., and Meredith Guess for joining us in celebrating the accomplishments of this remarkable group of young leaders.
As this year's Summer Leadership Academy comes to a close, we couldn't be prouder of our students. Their confidence, curiosity, and commitment to making a positive impact leave us excited for all they will accomplish in the years ahead.
A Final Week of Career Exploration
Before confidently presenting their Capstone projects to community leaders, our Summer Leadership Academy students spent their final week exploring career pathways in healthcare and the justice system, gaining firsthand insight into professions dedicated to serving others.
Students began the week at Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside, where they learned about the many opportunities available within healthcare. Workforce Development Manager Emily Roth introduced students to a variety of career pathways while highlighting Ascension's commitment to supporting employees through professional development, career growth, and tuition reimbursement. Students also discovered that there are multiple pathways into healthcare careers, including Ascension's in-house radiologic technology program, showing that meaningful careers can be achieved through a variety of educational and professional opportunities.
Throughout the visit, students toured several hospital departments, including Radiology, Sterile Processing, the Cath Lab, and Surgical Services, while hearing directly from healthcare professionals about their career journeys. A panel discussion featuring specialists from surgical technology and diagnostic medical sonography offered students valuable insight into the education, skills, and experiences needed to pursue careers in the field.
Later in the week, students continued their exploration of public service with a visit to the Duval County Courthouse, where Judge Kalil offered a behind-the-scenes look at the judicial system and shared his own journey into the legal profession. Students learned about the jury selection process, the responsibilities carried out by more than 300 courthouse employees, and the vital role citizens play in ensuring justice through jury service.
Speaking from his experience with juvenile cases, Judge Kalil spoke about the connection he has witnessed between literacy and life outcomes, complementing them for the meaningful difference they are making in the lives of younger students. He encouraged students to remain lifelong readers and emphasized the importance of making time to read and continue learning throughout life.
Together, these experiences reinforced one of the central lessons of Summer Leadership Academy: every career begins with learning, and strong literacy skills create opportunities to serve others, pursue meaningful work, and make a lasting impact on the community.
Thank you to Ascension St. Vincent's Riverside, Judge Kalil, and everyone who generously welcomed our students, shared their expertise, and invested in the next generation of leaders.
Stories, Smiles, and Literacy at the Zoo
READ USA was proud to join Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for Unearth a Story, a free community event that celebrated storytelling, creativity, and exploration while encouraging families to discover the joy of reading together.
Hosted in partnership with the Jacksonville Public Library's Summer Reading Challenge, the event brought together local organizations to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning through interactive activities, live author readings, crafts, games, and visits from the Library's Bookmobile.
At the READ USA table, families participated in a fun word activity and received level readers books and magnetic letter baggies to continue building literacy skills at home. Thank you to our READ USA volunteers who shared their time and enthusiasm to help make the event a fun and engaging experience for the kiddos!
We are grateful to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, and Jacksonville Public Library for creating opportunities that bring families together through literacy, learning, and play. Events like Unearth a Story remind us that every shared story has the power to spark imagination and foster a lifelong love of reading.
Children’s Book: The Three Little Tardigrades by Sandra Fay
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: The Three Little Tardigrades by Sandra Fay
Top 10 Finalist – 2025–2026 Florida Literacy Association Children’s Book Award (Grades 3–5)
You’ve heard of the three little pigs—but have you met the three little tardigrades? In this clever and science-filled twist, Sandra Fay blends storytelling with fascinating facts about one of Earth’s toughest microscopic creatures.
As the tardigrades face challenges, their incredible real-life abilities—like surviving extreme conditions—become part of the story. The result is a playful narrative that sneaks science into every page.
Readers will be surprised, amused, and curious all at once. It’s the kind of book that sparks questions and makes learning feel like discovery.
Fun, smart, and wonderfully original, this story proves that even the tiniest creatures can make the biggest impression.
Parent Education Corner: Conversation Starters for Reading Nonfiction Books with Your Child
During the READ USA Bookfairs, every child that attended was given a READ USA Parent Guide with literacy activities and reading support for you to use at home. These resources will be especially beneficial as you support your child’s literacy development during the summer months.
We will be sharing these resources through the Parent Corner this month, in the event you missed receiving your Parent Guide from the READ USA Bookfair.
Submitted by Kathi Hart, READ USA Lead Content Specialist