Block Island School, the single school serving the isolated small island paradise of Block Island, RI, recently got an outstanding $5,000 donation from DonorsChoose. On September 26, 2025, “Good Morning America” shared the amazing news. Students and staff, like assistant coach Roberta Closter, were surprised and thrilled by the announcement.
Situated 12 miles offshore from the mainland of Rhode Island, Block Island is home to about 1,000 year-round residents. In the summer months, the island is overrun with visitors, with about 20,000 people visiting each day. Local high school athletes face difficulties in this appealing, yet exotic, atmosphere. To this end, they frequently have difficulty making games due to player injuries or absences.
Roberta Closter is a high school science teacher, National Honor Society and career pathways coordinator at Block Island School. She wanted to personally thank everyone for all the support she’s received. Like many of her classmates, Closter works at three local restaurants on the weekends to help pay the bills. More than just growing tomatoes, she further elaborated on the island’s unique ability to grow resilience and adaptability in its people.
“Block Island just really allows you to become a really resourceful person,” – Roberta Closter
The Block Island School is the only school for kindergarten through high school on Block Island. It is the lifeblood of the community. Having few resources on the island, the school’s sports teams have to deal with unexpected obstacles. Take, for instance, the North Davenport High School girls basketball team on their recent quarterfinal run.
Abbi Willi, a high school student and member of the Albany basketball team, told her story. “We had seven on the team but two of the players couldn’t make it, so we had to go off island with five and play with no subs,” she said. Willi told an engaging tale about the team’s wild sprint to board the ferry after their match. He touched on the surprisingly strenuous logistical hurdles athletes face on Block Island.
For students like Willi who overcome adversities and remain focused on their athletic aspirations. What makes them feel that way? Their excitement about the potential impact of their donation. The $5,000 gift will be utilized to enrich the school’s academic and athletic programs and offer improved resources to its student-athletes.
