As we close another remarkable school year, I find myself reflecting not only on what we accomplished together, but also on my first year serving as Executive Director of Take Stock in Children Nassau. It has been a year filled with learning, inspiration, and an even deeper appreciation for the incredible community that surrounds this organization.

This year, we proudly celebrated the graduation of 30 seniors as they crossed the stage and began the next chapter of their lives. At the same time, we welcomed 37 new students into the Take Stock family. Young people filled with potential, determination, and dreams for the future. Through the generosity of our community, our Light Up a Life Gala was another tremendous success, ensuring that even more students will have access to the educational opportunities, mentoring, and scholarships that change lives.

Perhaps what has impacted me most over the past year isn't found in the numbers, but in the people. I've witnessed students who refuse to let circumstances define their futures, mentors who faithfully show up month after month simply because they care, educators and school partners who go above and beyond for their students, and donors and volunteers who believe that investing in a child's future creates a stronger community for us all.

These experiences have reinforced something I now know to be true: Take Stock in Children Nassau is far more than a scholarship program. It is a community of people who believe in potential, invest in relationships, and work together to create opportunities that will impact generations.

To every mentor, donor, volunteer, educator, board member, community partner, and supporter—thank you. Your compassion, generosity, and unwavering commitment make every success story possible. I am incredibly grateful to be part of this mission and excited for all that lies ahead as we continue changing lives, one student at a time.

-Alexis Holton

Welcome Karl Schlobohm, our newest CRC!

Please join us in welcoming Karl to the Take Stock in Children Nassau team as our newest College Readiness Coach at Yulee! We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the impact he will make with our students.

Karl Schlobohm is a 15-year educator who has called Fernandina Beach home for the past eight years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Messiah College and a Master of Arts in Literature from Wales, United Kingdom, as well as a Master of Education in Integrative Learning from Endicott College. Karl began his career as a Montessori adolescent educator and played a key role in launching the first public Montessori K–12 school in South Carolina, where he served as both a teacher and Board Chair.

Locally, Karl has taught at Amelia Island Montessori School and has been connected to Take Stock as a mentor for the past four years. Through this experience, he developed a strong passion for our mission and a commitment to expanding access to postsecondary opportunities for students in our community. If you want to learn more about Karl, please visit our website at www.tsicnassau.org to see his full bio.

As Karl transitions into his new role, Ally Schaerf will support onboarding and continuity at Yulee before moving into the College Readiness Coach role at Fernandina Beach. Nora Wood will transition into a full-time College Completion Coach position, supporting students beyond high school graduation.

For the past 23 years, Diane Williams has generously shared her time, encouragement, and wisdom as a Take Stock in Children mentor, making a lasting impact on the lives of numerous students.

As Diane closes out this school year and celebrates the graduation of both of her current mentees, we want to take a moment to recognize her extraordinary dedication and service. Throughout her years with Take Stock, she has been a trusted mentor, a source of support, and a champion for student success. Her commitment has helped shape the futures of many young people, and her influence will continue to be felt through the students she has inspired along the way.



Thank you, Diane, for 23 incredible years of mentorship, compassion, and unwavering support. Your legacy will live on in the lives you have touched, and you will be greatly missed.

In Memorium

This year, our Take Stock in Children family experienced the loss of two cherished mentors: Jeffrey Rogers and Sara DeLange. While they are no longer with us, the impact they made on the lives of numerous students will continue for years to come.

Through their generosity, encouragement, and commitment to mentoring, they helped students navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and believe in their potential. We are deeply grateful for their service and the difference they made in the lives of the students they supported.

As we reflect on their contributions, we honor their legacy and the lasting influence they leave behind within our Take Stock community

Sara DeLange pictured with her mentee, Kaelyn Touchton (c/o 2026, WNHS)

Jeffrey Rogers pictured with his mentee, Xavier Hanna (c/o 2025, YHS)

Upcoming Events

New students and their mentors will come together on August 15th to connect, learn and kick off their Take Stock journey during our Back to School Workshop. Workshop topics will include Take Stock 101, financial literacy, smart choices and decision making scenarios as well as team building and conversation over lunch. More details will be shared with new mentors and students in the coming weeks.