The Changemakers

Whether it’s through local nonprofit organizations, schools or students themselves, youth philanthropy is a critical piece of the Northeast Florida education ecosystem. The outcome of this focus is a new generation of young people determined to make our community a better place to live.

Here are a few examples of these changemakers and their work.

Nico Flowers

Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida

In September 2024, Nico was named National Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Actor Denzel Washington presented the honor to Flowers, who received a $50,000 college scholarship, a Toyota Corolla and all-expenses paid travel experience for being selected as the organization’s national youth spokesperson in recognition of his efforts overcoming homelessness and other challenges to lead after-school clubs and mentor other teens. He has also started his own nonprofit – Youth Advocates for Racial Equity – to spread awareness to young people about the importance of voting.

Katherine D’Arienzo, Mia Saenz and Hattie Todd

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, North Florida Region

Episcopal School of Jacksonville juniors Katherine D’Arienzo, Mia Saenz and Hattie Todd were named the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society North Florida Region’s 2024 Jacksonville Student Visionaries of the Year at the organization’s Visionaries of the Year gala in downtown Jacksonville. The “Talon Team” raised $123,813 during their seven-week fundraising campaign to support the local nonprofit’s mission.

Luke Meyers

Groundwork Jacksonville

As part of his service project to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, Troop 159 Boy Scout Luke Meyers created a handicapped accessible garden. In addition to planning, budgeting and raising funds for the project, Meyers led a group of peers and volunteers to build three raised beds in the Daily Manna Community Garden at 426 Smith St. The 32″ tall beds provide accessible gardening for those in wheelchairs or with difficulty gardening in low beds.

Anaiya Nahar

Jacksonville School for Autism

Bolles golfer Anaiya Nahar ’25 used her familiarity with the sport to organize a fundraiser with personal meaning for the Jacksonville School for Autism. Her Golf for Autism event, held at The Yards, raised more than $20,000 for the school. Nahar was inspired by her love for her brother and the desire to make a difference for those also affected by autism.

Charlotte Peverley

Blessings in a Backpack

Ponte Vedra High School Class of 2024 graduate Charlotte Peverley made community service a mainstay of her high school years. In addition to starting the Bakery Book Exchange – which collected 3,000 books for local literacy programs – Peverley created Stop the Summer Slide, a program that supplies summer enrichment workbooks to local school children served by Blessings in a Backpack. For her efforts, Peverley was recognized in 2024 with the Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary Club’s Local Hero Award.

Bridget Sutter

Mandarin Food Bank

What started as a small summer camp program for children has become an opportunity for Bishop Kenny student Bridget Sutter to support community needs. Each summer, Sutter runs a four-day arts and crafts camp that features a small food drive to support the Mandarin Food Bank. “I ask the parents to bring any extra canned goods they might have,” Sutter explained, “then I use some of the money I get to buy more specific items the food bank needs.”

Anne Charles Zimmer and Olivia Daniel

Presidential Service Award Winners University of Florida

Jacksonville natives Anne Charles Zimmer and Olivia Daniel both received a 2024 Presidential Service Award at the University of Florida. One of the university’s highest service honors, the award involves a rigorous application process, including an essay and completion of at least 400 hours of community service during their time at UF.

Mikeelah Pate

Don’t Miss a Beat

During her time with Don’t Miss a Beat, Mikeelah Pate hasn’t let any personal or health challenges impede her from pursuing her passion for theater, singing or working with the youth at DMAB’s summer camp. The Ribault High School senior has earned the nickname “Grandma” from the younger children she’s worked with in her leadership roles with the organization, personifying its mission to enlighten and engage youth through musical theater production. During her tenure with DMAB, she has held a lead role in more than 13 productions. After graduating, she plans to attend FSCJ in fall 2025 on scholarship for its musical theatre program.

Curtis Jackson

ELEVATE Jacksonville

Ever since he first stood to speak at the Elevate Jacksonville class, Curtis Jackson has found a passion for public speaking
and stood out among his peers. The Jean Ribault middle schooler has overcome personal challenges and losses to take on more leadership roles, including student leader of his school’s new positive behavior system, Isibindi House, for which he was hand-selected by the school principal. Through the classes and mentorships offered by ELEVATE Jacksonville, Jackson has honed his public speaking skills and now speaks at his church, following in the footsteps of his late great-grandfather, affectionately known as Paw Paw. Jackson plans to apply to Florida State, University of Florida and Alabama State for a degree in business administration.

Lachlan Lovett

Family Promise of Jacksonville

Answering Family Promise of Jacksonville’s call for aid, Bolles sophomore Lachlan Lovett has raised nearly $100,000 to date for the organization’s annual Cardboard City fundraising event. The campout event challenges participants to build a cardboard structure to be their sleeping quarters for the night to raise awareness of what unhoused families face on a regular basis.