Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, and in this episode of The INK! Podcast, hosts Ian MacDonald and Jim Wheeler sit down with Mary Alice Hayes, Program Director of INK!'s Five Learning Years (FLY) Program.

Learn how FLY is helping students across St. Johns County Schools develop essential reading skills through targeted intervention, personalized support, and the expertise of retired teacher tutors. Mary Alice shares the story behind the program, its mission, growth, and impact on hundreds of students, including specialized support for children with dyslexia.

The conversation also explores why early literacy matters, how community partnerships help expand opportunities for young learners, and the important role donors such as the PNC Foundation and other community supporters play in helping students succeed.

Plus, hear the latest INK! Happenings, including the upcoming Jail Break 5K and the New Worlds Reading Initiative event at Patriot Oaks Academy.

If you're passionate about education, literacy, and student success, this episode offers a powerful look at how community investment is helping young readers thrive throughout St. Johns County.

Join Ian and Jim as they welcome St. Johns County School District Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen for a conversation about the 2026-27 school year. Dr. Asplen discusses the district's priorities, continued growth, new schools, the impact of school choice and vouchers, student achievement trends, and what's ahead for one of Florida's top-performing school districts. He also shares why community partnerships, including INK, remain vital to student success.

Plus, learn how you can support INK and help make a difference for St. Johns County students and teachers.

In this episode of the INK! Podcast, host Ian MacDonald and INK!’s Student Programs Director Jim Wheeler sit down with longtime Take Stock in Children mentor Danny Gurr to explore how mentorship can shape a student’s future in powerful, lasting ways.

The conversation highlights INK!’s role as the St. Johns County partner for Take Stock in Children since 1998 and the program’s exceptional outcomes—including 90%+ of students enrolling in college and three times the college degree attainment compared to peers from similar backgrounds. Danny and Ian share their personal journeys as mentors, offering insight into how relationships begin, how they grow throughout high school, and where they’ve seen the greatest impact on students’ confidence, goals, and long‑term success.

This episode also features updates on current INK! Happenings, including the Stuff the Bus school supply drive, Davidson Cares Clay Day, and the 10th Annual Jail Break 5K.

Listeners will learn how to support INK!’s mission, get involved in upcoming events, and even become a mentor themselves through Take Stock in Children.
A heartfelt, community‑driven conversation that celebrates the difference one committed adult can make in a student’s life.

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast

info@nextdaypodcast.com