Ireland Johnson is a senior at Florida Virtual School (FLVS) with big dreams and the determination to achieve them. When she and her family qualified to partner with Beaches Habitat for Humanity, Ireland gained more than a safe, stable place to call home – she found a pathway to leadership, greater confidence, and community service.

Finding Community

Ireland first learned about Prep Club shortly after her family was selected for a Habitat home. She recalls that Beaches Habitat staff, including Mr. Doug Brown, Scheidel Prep Club Coordinator, played a big role in introducing her to the program. As a student attending virtual school, Ireland saw Prep Club as a great opportunity to engage with her community.

“Being in virtual school, there aren’t many opportunities to directly impact the community,” Ireland explains. Unlike other service clubs, such as NHS, Prep Club Club offers in-person projects that allow her to connect with the community in meaningful ways.

Stepping Into Leadership & Community Involvement

Ireland’s involvement in Prep Club has been transformative, especially in building leadership skills. Her role as Co-President of Prep Club Club—the community service extension of Prep Club—has allowed her to take on real leadership responsibilities, from planning service projects to coordinating with local organizations.

“I’ve had a lot of opportunities to work in leadership positions, plan community service projects, and get practical experience with the skills I’ve been practicing in the classroom,” she says. “Being able to confidently go into rooms and speak with professionals is a skill I did not have a few years ago.”

Academic Ambitions and the Road Ahead

Ireland’s dedication to higher education is evident in her ambitious career goals. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in either physics or mathematics, with aspirations of eventually entering a Ph.D. program. Whether working in academia or for a government agency like NASA or NOAA, she is committed to making an impact in her field.

“For a lot of students, including me, Prep Club gives an incentive to put in work in school. It allows us to see a tangible goal, making it easier to stay focused and motivated,” she says.

Currently, Ireland is eagerly awaiting college acceptance letters, excited for the next chapter of her journey.

The Impact of Affordable Housing and Community Support

Living in a Beaches Habitat home has provided Ireland and her family with stability and opportunities that have positively impacted her academic journey.

Ireland reflects “Having a Beaches Habitat home has changed our lives. There’s now a home base—a rock to lean on. It’s given our family financial opportunities and a peaceful place for me to focus on my studies.”

She also credits her success to the unwavering support of her family and Prep Club mentors, particularly Mr. Brown, who has been supportive in guiding students through their college preparation journeys.

Advice for Future Prep Club Students

For younger students considering joining Prep Club, Ireland has one key piece of advice: get involved early and stay consistent with community service.

“The biggest struggle is finding ways to give back to your community,” she says. “Prep Club Club is a great way to get those community service hours while doing meaningful work. By staying consistent, you’ll look back and see how much you’ve contributed.”

Looking Forward

As she prepares to graduate, Ireland remains grateful for the support she has received from her family, Mr. Brown, and the entire Beaches Habitat community. Her journey demonstrates the power of stability, mentorship, and community engagement in shaping bright futures.

Ireland is ready to take the next step, equipped with the skills, confidence and experiences she gained through Prep Club. She recently committed to attend Florida State University in the fall. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain, she is on the path to making a significant impact in her field and beyond. To learn more about Beaches Habitat for Humanity’s education programs, click here.