Florida School for the Deaf & the Blind - Do More. Be More. Achieve More.

Congratulations to Kayla Debrow! We are thrilled to celebrate Kayla's commitment to continue her academic and athletic journey at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. 🏀📚 Kayla received interest from several colleges to play basketball at the next level, but she has proudly chosen to join the Gallaudet University women's basketball team. Kayla has been passionate about basketball for nearly her entire life. She joined the Varsity team as a sixth grader—an early start that laid the foundation for an extraordinary high school career. Over the past four years, she has made a lasting impact both as a teammate and as an individual. 🏆 Team Accomplishments: - 4× Mason-Dixon Champions (2019, 2023, 2024, 2025) - Clerc Classic Champions – First time in FSDB history! - Regional Qualifiers – 2022 and 2025 - 2025 NDIAA National Champions 🌟 Individual Achievements: - Member of the 1,000 Point Club (1,387 points) - Member of the 1,000 Rebound Club (1,031 rebounds) - School & Clerc Classic record holder for most blocks in a game (20) - 347 career blocks - Multiple Tournament MVP awards - Named NDIAA Girls Basketball Player of the Year Kayla's stats speak volumes, but what truly sets her apart is her character. She leads with respect, integrity, trustworthiness, and sportsmanship—both on and off the court. We are confident that Kayla will continue to grow—not just as a player, but as a leader, mentor, and perhaps one day, a coach. Her future is incredibly bright, and we couldn't be more proud of her! 🌟 Congratulations, Kayla! 🌟   #FSDBSportsSaturday #OneTeamOneHeartbeat #ThisIsFSDB

This is Michael Johnson. Michael's journey at FSDB began in 2005 when he stepped in as a computer specialist in the Technology department. Over the years, he advanced to the Communications and PR department, where he assumed the role of Web and Communications Manager. In 2021, he was appointed as the Executive Director. But Michael's connection to FSDB runs much deeper—he grew up right here on campus, thanks to his parents, Cheryl and Jackie Johnson, who were dedicated staff members. When we asked Michael why he chose to work at FSDB, he shared heartwarming memories: "I spent my childhood on this campus, cheering at football games, enjoying Dance Troupe performances, and even curling up under my mom's desk when I was feeling under the weather. After spending a couple of years in California, I knew I wanted to return home. I found a part-time job in the Technology department, and the rest is history—I'm still here, 20 years later!" One of the highlights of his time at FSDB? Creating the delightful "Eyes Alive!" movies with the Deaf Elementary students and producing fun music videos for the Dance Troupe. Did you know Michael has some fun talents, too? Before joining FSDB, he worked in the film industry, lending his skills to movies featuring stars like Jennifer Lopez and Jennifer Aniston. Plus, he was quite the athlete—he earned the title of St. Johns County Player of the Year in 1997 and played two years at Florida Community College of Jacksonville (now FSCJ). #FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDBFridays #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB

Tonight, May 29th at 7:00pm, Dance Troupe will have their final performance titled "Moments to Memories". Come and celebrate the seniors with us and wish them good luck on their next journey! #ThisIsFSDB

For the final Takeover Thursday of the 2024-2025 school year, we will host a two-day event celebrating both Blind and Deaf Graduation! Make sure to check our stories today for the Blind Graduation and tomorrow for the Deaf Graduation! #FSDBTakeoverThursdays

The Blind Senior Class of 2025 received their senior awards today, ahead of graduation tomorrow. Students received awards, recognition, scholarships, and class gifts! To view the photos from the event, click the link below: https://zenfolio.page.link/7aNX7

In celebration of this week's graduation, we're reflecting on the 1947 graduation. The photo above shows the deaf and blind graduates from that year with President Dr. Clarence Settles, taken in the old Walker Hall auditorium. #FSDBWayBackWhensdays #FSDBHistory

Congratulations to our Deaf post-graduates who had recently exited the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind SOAR Program! - Keinesia Godwin - Roberto Centeno -Joey Seppala -Roud Valcin - Marco Solis #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB

For most of the team, this was their first year in the Color Guard, and they had no prior experience. Traci Anderson, the head coach, expressed her pride in the Color Guard team. The students from both the Deaf and Blind Departments worked diligently to learn the routine in preparation for their performance at the recent Sports Awards Ceremony.   "Their performance was nothing short of WOW! From facing their fears to learning every count with heart and hustle, this team twirled, spun, and dazzled their way into everyone's hearts. The crowd was cheering, jaws were dropping, and let us be honest, we are still talking about it." shared Traci. Great job! #FSDBCampusLifeWednesdays

Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives to keep us safe. Stay safe and enjoy your day off with family and friends!

Joesph Lee Wurtz is from Inverness, Florida. He is graduating with honors and received a $10,000 NRIT scholarship. While at FSDB, he was involved in the Dance Troupe. He also was on the basketball and track & field teams. His favorite memory at FSDB was going to Clerc Classic for the first time. After graduation, he plans to attend NRIT and study X-ray Technology. Congratulations Joesph! #ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam

Antawn Fletcher Wanliss is from Ocala, Florida. While at FSDB, he participated in the Dance Troupe. He was also on the football, track & field, and wrestling teams. His favorite memory at FSDB was making his friends and teachers laugh. After graduation, he plans to attend Gallaudet University and become a photographer and dancer. Congratulations Antwan! #ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam

With just two weeks left in the school year, departments across campus have been buzzing with excitement! - On May 16, President Tracie Snow hosted the 3rd Annual President's Retirement Celebration, where retirees from the 2024-2025 year gathered to celebrate their accomplishments. - BHS Seniors went to Universal Studios for their senior trip on May 20. - It was a beautiful day for fun at BEMS Water Day on May 20th. To view the photos from the event, click the link: https://zenfolio.page.link/Pcbp1 #FSDBRecapSundays

Vanessa Elizabeth Waldhof is from Palm Coast, Florida. She is graduating with honors and is a Co-Salutatorian. She has received a $9,000 Dean Scholarship from Gallaudet. While at FSDB, she was involved in the Academic Bowl, Book Club, Dance Troupe, Junior NAD, and Yearbook Committee. She was also on the cheerleading team and a wrestling team manager. Her favorite memory at FSDB was practicing cheerleading late at night and qualifying for the state competition. After graduation, she plans on attending Gallaudet University to study Criminal Law and Business and work in business or with large corporations. Congratulations Vanessa! #ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam

Sakura Denise Vinson is from Orlando, Florida. While at FSDB, she was involved in the Book Club. Her favorite memory at FSDB was cooking class and having help from her deaf elementary school teachers. After graduation, she plans to return to FSDB to join the SOAR program and work at Walmart. Congratulations Sakura! #ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam

Jayden is from the Orange Park and Middleburg area. While at FSDB, Jayden was involved in the social club and VERC after school. He was also inducted into the National Honor Society. Outside of FSDB, Jayden played basketball with the Potters House Black Top League. Jayden enjoys all things basketball, and his favorite team is the Lakers. Jayden enjoys listening to Rhythm and Blues music with friends and watching the All-American TV show. After graduation, Jayden plans to return to FSDB to enter the S.O.A.R. program. Congratulations, Jayden! #ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam

Congratulations to all our student-athletes who received awards on Thursday, May 15, at the FSDB Athletics Awards! To view the photos from the event, click the link below: https://zenfolio.page.link/34JyJ #FSDBSportsSaturdays #OneTeamOneHeartbeat

Kavira Vihugho is from Jacksonville, Florida. During her time at FSDB, she participated in cheerleading, volleyball, flag football, and weightlifting. Her favorite memories from FSDB include winning the Mason-Dixon Cheerleading Tournament and the National Deaf Cheer Competition in 2023, as well as Mason-Dixon Cheerleading Champions this year. After graduation, she plans to attend RIT, but she has not yet decided on a major. Congratulations Kavira! #ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam

Landen Valladares is from Jacksonville, Florida. His favorite memory at FSDB was drawing his teacher, Michael Freeman, and playing Minecraft. After graduation, he plans to work at Publix and study art. Congratulations Landen! #ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam

Parker Watson is an honor graduate from Green Cove Springs, Florida. Parker has attended FSDB since 2010, beginning in the Early Learning Center. While at FSDB, Parker participated in Coding Club, National Honor Society, and Drumline. He was a member of the Concert Band for four years, where he was the percussion section leader during his junior year. Outside of FSDB, Parker participated in Field of Dreams baseball for six years. In September of 2024, he was selected as Freedom Scientific’s student of the month. In his free time, Parker enjoys learning different programming languages, along with making websites and apps more accessible for individuals with disabilities. After graduation, Parker plans to attend a local college to obtain a degree in computer programming with the goal of becoming a software developer. Congratulations, Parker! #ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam

Hello FSDB Blind Department Families! Parent University will have a Braille Workshop on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. at Cary White, room #203. Blind Department students and their families are invited to join us for a Lunch & Learn Braille Workshop. Please RSVP at the link below: https://www.fsdbk12.org/page/parent-classes Parents must check in at the Front Gate on Genoply Street. Travel Reimbursement is also available.