As of September 26, 2025, Block Island School—the island’s sole school—got a surprising shot in the arm. Roberta Closter, the assistant coach of the North Plainfield school’s girls basketball team, celebrated her unexpected donation of $5,000 graciously from DonorsChoose in her “Good Morning America” surprise appearance. An ocean view for every seat Block Island is located 12 miles from the coast of Rhode Island. Its permanent population hails from roughly 1,000 year-round residents, while luring close to 20,000 visitors each summer day.
Roberta Closter is an educator who has worn many hats at Block Island School. In addition to coaching, she serves as a high school science teacher and coordinates the National Honor Society and career pathways programs. Closter deftly juggles her many hats as an administrator at the school. On the weekends, she balances her time with three area restaurants to feed her family and help her community.
This donation will help enhance the athletic programs at Block Island School. Yet the school has even greater hurdles to overcome, as they only have eight players to work with. As a result of few students and a close-knit population, going to these games has proven to be quite the challenge. High school student Johana Marroqin expressed her gratitude for the donation, stating it would significantly benefit the students and their athletic pursuits.
Abigail Willi, a member of the girls basketball team, recounted that her team and others have faced challenges with attendance. “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 recalled. The logistical challenges persist to game days as well. “At the end of that game, we were rushing for the boat,” she added.
Closter attributed resourcefulness and inventiveness to the nature of the community itself, adding that life on an island pens such practicality. “Block Island just really allows you to become a really resourceful person,” she remarked. This flexibility is incredibly important for students and collegiate athletes alike who have to deal with the ceilings their geography places on them.
To get everyone started Block Island School already has a generous $5,000 donation from DonorsChoose. This support will allow athletic programming to continue thriving, providing students with ample opportunity to engage with sports and develop as athletes. Block Island School is the only school on the island, serving students in kindergarten through 12th grade. It helps build community pride while exposing students to new, enriching experiences.
