09/12/2026
Representing the Riviera Beach Education Advisory Board, I was honored yesterday to volunteer my time with Inlet Grove Community High School, right here in our community.
As a lifelong educator, I walked away inspired by our students, especially the incredible young men of the Inlet Grove football team.
These young men are so much more than athletes. While some may dream of playing football at the collegiate or professional level, among them are also our future doctors, lawyers, educators, skilled tradesmen, builders, business owners, elected officials, community leaders, and so much more.
One of the most moving things to witness has been the way our community has rallied around Inlet Grove to support these students. I was proud, as a representative of the Riviera Beach Education Advisory Board, to support funding for much-needed team supplies following the City Council’s approval at its last meeting. The City of Riviera Beach continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting our students and creating opportunities for them to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
I also want to give a huge shoutout to the many people who have given their time, resources, energy, and hearts to support the students of Inlet Grove, including Coach Matthew Haughn, Kiera Sassychick Hester, Sammie Brown, Jamael Stewart, Douglas Alexander Lawson, Shirley Lanier, Chief Michael Coleman, Interim Director Mike Pinkney, and so many others.
To every person whose name may not be mentioned—the volunteers, coaches, educators, parents, mentors, donors, staff members, and community partners working quietly behind the scenes—please know that your work matters, your presence matters, and our students are better because you continue to show up.
Our children deserve a community that believes in them before the world knows their names. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep pouring into them. And most importantly, let’s keep reminding our young people that there is no limit to who they can become. 🩵
