Addison is an honor graduate from Davie, Florida. He is the Valedictorian for the class of 2026. Addison has earned the Scholar Diploma designation, and he is a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship recipient. He has earned 24 credit hours at St. Johns River State College through the dual enrollment program. While at FSDB, Addison participated in Goalball, Cheerleading, Track and Field, Wrestling, Student Leadership Council, National Honor Society, Chess Club, Book Club, Young Life, Social Dance Club, and Dance Troupe. He served as Goalball team captain, Cross Country team captain, and wrestling team captain, as well as class president and class historian. After graduation, Addison will attend Howard University to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. Congratulations, Addison!
10 days ago, FSDB
Addison is smiling and wearing his blue cap and gown, along with a "Honor Grad" logo on the top right corner.
Jonah Isaac Abenchuchan is an honors graduate from St. Augustine, Florida. Jonah has attended FSDB for 10 years. While enrolled at FSDB, Jonah was in Jr. NAD, served on the homecoming committee, was in the Dance Troupe, and served as an officer in his class. Jonah was an active member of the basketball, track, football, and swimming teams. He has also earned 12 college credits through St Johns River State College. Jonah’s favorite memory is being cast as a main role in the Dance Troupe musical production of “Elf.” After graduation, Jonah plans to attend Flagler College and major in Theatre/Arts. Congratulations, Jonah!
10 days ago, FSDB
Jonah is wearing a cap and gown smiling for his photo with an "Honor Grad" logo on the top right corner.
In celebration of prom at both schools this week, what was your favorite prom memory at FSDB?

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
11 days ago, FSDB
Faded background of this years deaf prom at river house with a white quote box on the bottom right that says "what was your favorite prom memory atFSDB?"
Yesterday, the FSDB Blind Elementary Theatre put on "Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Kids" for students, staff, and families. Everyone did an amazing job with the costumes, singing, and dancing!

To view the photos from the event, click the link shared:https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p192368958

#ThisIsFSDB
11 days ago, FSDB
A student dressed like a giraffe on stage in the Music Building.
A student dressed like a penguin on stage in the Music Building.
A student dressed like a kola bear on stage in the Music Building.
A student dressed like a zebra on stage in the Music Building.
A student dressed like a kola bear on stage in the Music Building.
A group of students dressed like chipmunks on stage in the music building.
A student dressed like a kola bear wearing a hawiian lei necklace on stage in the music building.
A student dressed like a lion on stage in the music building.
Last night, Blind High School celebrated its Prom 2026 at the Tringali Barn. The theme for the evening was Mardi Gras, which set a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Students arrived in elegant attire, complete with colorful masks that added to the excitement of the event. As the music played, students danced the night away, enjoying the company of friends and making unforgettable memories. The lively spirit of Mardi Gras truly came alive, making this prom a night to remember.

To view the photos from the event, click here: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p369565051

#ThisIsFSDB #Prom2026
11 days ago, FSDB
A couple dressed up in Mardi Gras smile together in front of a Mardi Gras backdrop inside the barn.
A student is wearing a pink dress and gold masks smiles inside the barn.
A student dressed in pink and black cheetah color suit smiles outside the barn.
A student looks at her mom for a photo inside the barn.
A student dressed in pink floral dances on the dance floor inside the barn.
Two students dressed in gold and red hold hands and dance on the dance floor of the barn.
A student smiles with a staff member inside the barn.
A couple smiles for a photo with the Mardi Gras backdrop inside the barn.
Last night, Prom 2026 for the Deaf High School took place at the picturesque River House in the heart of downtown St. Augustine.

Students arrived in stylish outfits, filled with excitement as they gathered to celebrate this memorable evening with their dates and friends. The event featured a delightful dinner, lively music, and dancing, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

A special thanks to Nico DiMarco for DJing and to River House for hosting our prom!

To view the photos from the event, click here: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p387100287

#ThisIsFSDB #Prom2026
11 days ago, FSDB
Prom date couple dressed in blue smile for a picture outside of River House by the water.
A prom date couple smile for their photo outside of River House by the water.
Two friends dressed in green and red prom dresses smile for a photo outside of River House by the water.
A prom date couple dressed in white smile for a photo outside of the River House by the water.
Group of friends smile for a photo outside of River House by the water.
Two students dressed in prom dresses dance on the dance floor inside River House.
Deaf DJ Nico dances with the students on the dance floor in the River House.
Two students pose with peace signs inside River House dance floor.
A student pose for a photo inside River House dance floor.
👑✨TWO proms. ONE unforgettable night.✨👑

 FSDB celebrated in TWO beautiful ways last night and the memories are just as amazing as our students!

The Blind High School Prom was held at the gorgeous Tringali Barn at Heritage Farms. In the top photo, students are gathered together moments after the royal court was announced, soaking in the excitement and celebration.

Meanwhile, the Deaf High School Prom stayed local and enjoyed incredible waterfront views at the Riverhouse. In the bottom photo, you’ll see a selfie with me and a room full of students signing “hearts” as they waited to find out who would be crowned this year’s royal court. 

 A huge THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors and staff. The behind the scenes work is extensive and deeply appreciated. These nights mattered.

 #FSDBProm2026 #FSDBPride #FSDBStudentsShine #ThePrezSnowPost
11 days ago, FSDB
Top photo is a photo from the Blind Prom at the Barn and bottom photo is a selfie of Tracie Snow with Deaf Prom at the River House.
Congratulations !! Juana Juan-Andres and Tyler Wittman were picked to be the Junior Class Prince & Princess. Nathaniel Figueroa andRihanna Ward were crowned Prom King & Queen.

#ThisIsFSDB
11 days ago, FSDB
Prom King and Queen stand together for a photo inside the barn.
Prom Princess and Prince smile together for a photo inside the barn.
Congratulations !! Ivan McAlpin and Starlyn Dize were picked to be the Junior Class Prince & Princess. Seniors Xaviar Jones and Mariska Dize were crowned Prom King & Queen!

#ThisIsFSDB

11 days ago, FSDB
Prom King, Queen, Princess and Prince all smile together for a photo outside of River House.

This week, FSDB students and staff enjoyed exploring the Spring Art Show, on display in Gibbs Hall. The show opened on April 16th, welcoming family and friends to enjoy the artwork before and after the Spring Music Concert. Art students in Blind High School shared over 80 pieces of tactile art featuring papier mache, plaster cloth, clay, and a variety of mixed media materials. It was a tremendous display of talent and creativity. Congratulations to our high school artists! #tactileart  #accessibleart

Images:

Elementary students explore a Maleficent mask with large black horns. An orange, nine-tailed fox is in the foreground. A Demogorgon with a red, flower-shaped head full of teeth is in the background.

Middle school students are exploring two sculptures with their hands. One is a teal dragon with green wings and the other is an orange, nine-tailed fox.

An elementary student inspects a large, green paper mask with large eyes and large pink tongue. A blue and yellow “fish cat” mask in the background has cat ears and fins on the forehead and cheeks.

Kaitlyn is smiling while holding up her papier mache shark sculpture, JAWS. It is painted gray, and black yarn forms a stripe and gills. A glass marble bead represents the eye.

Byran inspects a dark blue, dome-shaped sculpture made of plaster cloth. His is leaning in to feel the sequins and glitter on the surface of piece.

An elementary student with blond hair and glasses smiles with delight at the small sculpture of gray rat wearing a white hat. Another student is feeling the textured tiles that line the edge of pink mask.

12 days ago, Blind High School
Elementary students explore a Maleficent mask with large black horns. An orange, nine-tailed fox is in the foreground. A Demogorgon with a red, flower-shaped head full of teeth is in the background.
Middle school students are exploring two sculptures with their hands. One is a teal dragon with green wings and the other is an orange, nine-tailed fox.
An elementary student inspects a large, green paper mask with large eyes and large pink tongue. A blue and yellow “fish cat” mask in the background has cat ears and fins on the forehead and cheeks.
Kaitlyn is smiling while holding up her paper mache shark sculpture, JAWS. It is painted gray, and black yarn forms a stripe and gills. A glass marble bead represents the eye.
Byran inspects a dark blue, dome-shaped sculpture made of plaster cloth. His is leaning in to feel the sequins and glitter on the surface of piece.
An elementary student with blond hair and glasses smiles with delight at the small sculpture of gray rat wearing a white hat. Another student is feeling the textured tiles that line the edge of pink mask.
The boys at McLane Hall (DMS) enjoyed the beautiful weather and took advantage of living by the sea, spending time after school fishing. What fun!

#FSDBAfterSchoolWednesdays
13 days ago, FSDB
Selfie of staff member with students holding their fish and shrimp they caught outside by the water at FSDB.
A boy hold his fishing rod with fish hooked on it outside by the water at FSDB.
A boy wearing red headphones hold the fish he caught outside by the water at FSDB.
A boy smile got his photo as he holds his fishing rod waiting for a fish outside by the water at FSDB.
The After School Work Program (ASWP) selects a Student Employee of the Month based on the consistent demonstration of strong employability skills and positive workplace behaviors. Students are recognized for qualities such as professionalism, reliability, communication, teamwork, initiative, and a strong work ethic.

 In February, DHS student Gavin Swart was honored with this recognition, followed by BHS student Caiden Hadley in March. Both students exemplified the employability skills and dedication that ASWP seeks to recognize and celebrate.

#FSDBCTETuesdays #Congratulations
14 days ago, FSDB
Gavin is holding his "Student Employee of the Month" award smiling for his photo by a tree outside.
Cadien is holding his "Student Employee of the Month" award smiling by a tree outside.
Marissa Harrer, Communication Specialist, shares her favorite memory below:

"I have had the privilege of working of working at FSDB for the past 14 years. One of my favorite memories is from when I was the Eyes Alive! NEWS sponsor. We made monthly news videos to share with the Deaf Elementary department. It was so fun to help the students develop scripts, practice their filming and editing skills, and improve their public speaking. We even got to visit the studio for Action Jax news and be special guests on their morning broadcast! Such a wonderful experience for both myself and my students. ❤️"

#FSDBMemoryMondays #ThisIsFSDB #FSDBFam #YouBelongAtFSDB
14 days ago, FSDB
Marissa is wearing a black and white flower tank top smiling for her photo with a black background. A white textbox below her photo says"I have had the privilege of working of working at FSDB for the past 14 years. One of my favorite memories is from when I was the Eyes Alive! NEWS sponsor. "
The Dance Troupe performed "The Addams Family: Young@Part" last week for the community, including families, students, and staff.

Step into the wonderfully weird world of the Addams family—where the strange is celebrated, the unusual is normal, and every family is perfectly themselves. Click the link to view the photos from the performance: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p667846203

#ThisIsFSDB
15 days ago, FSDB
Hands snapping on stage in Kirk.
A girl dressed in a white wedding dress sign and perform on stage in Kirk.
A dance troupe student dressed in black and white clothing and a white bald cap perform on stage in Kirk.
A dance troupe performer dressed in a black dress holding a black doll perform on stage in Kirk.
Two students dressed in black perform on stage in Kirk.
A student dressed in a business suit sign "honest" on stage in Kirk.
The Varsity Girls Flag Football season has come to an end. On Tuesday, April 21st, they faced Santa Fe High School in the first round of the playoffs but unfortunately lost, with a score of 0-12. We are incredibly proud of our girls for a great season, and we will miss our seniors.

#FSDBSportsSundays #PassionPridePerseverance #GoFSDBDragons
16 days ago, FSDB
Varsity Girls Flag Football team smile for a photo on a red turf and a big red blow up helmet that says "Storm" on the top.
Congratulations to Melissa Oromas-Santana!

Melissa is a SOAR student in the Blind Department and has been with us at FSDB for two years.

One of her favorite memories at FSDB was the Ski Club trip to Montana, and her favorite subject is Psychology.

Melissa has decided to defer her diploma to continue learning and exploring before moving on to her next chapter. She plans to attend the Career, Technology, and Training Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Daytona.

Melissa wants to share with future students that they can improve their skills here at FSDB. There are great opportunities to achieve their goals, and the teachers and staff are dedicated to supporting students in this journey. Even with a disability, students can pursue their passions.

"Thank you to FSDB for the opportunities you have given me!" Melissa expressed.

We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish in the future!

#FSDBSOARSaturdays #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB
16 days ago, FSDB
Photo of President of BHS and Assistant Principal of BHS smile with Melissa who is holding her diploma inside the classroom,.
To celebrate the Dance Troupe's performance of The Addams Family this week, we want to hear your throwback favorites! What year’s Dance Troupe musical performance at FSDB is your all-time favorite?

#FSDBQuestionOfTheWeekFridays
18 days ago, FSDB
Background photo of dance troupe's performance of the lion king with a white quote box and black text that says "Throwback Time! What year's dance troupe musical performance at FSDB is your all-time favorite?"
President Snow is on the road! ✈️

This week I had the pleasure of traveling to Bloomington, Minnesota for the annual CEASD (Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf) conference. The first half of the week was spent collaborating with my fellow board members, followed by an engaging and energizing conference experience.

 I was especially excited and honored to introduce and support our very own Dr. Shelley Ardis, who presented “Leadership Readiness: Prepare Your Leadership HUB.” Dr. Ardis highlighted how FSDB developed a SharePoint Academic Leadership Hub to centralize information, resources, schedules, and timelines for supervisors. Her presentation was extremely well received, and participants were eager to learn how they could replicate this innovative model at their own schools.

 Photo description: President Snow snaps a shot with fellow smiling FSDB staff—Scott Trejbal, Randi Mitchell, Ryan Johnson, and Shelley Ardis—standing in front of Dr. Ardis’ presentation title slide.

 #FSDBProud #CEASD2026 #EducationalLeadership #TeamFSDB
18 days ago, FSDB
President Snow snaps a shot with fellow smiling FSDB staff—Scott Trejbal, Randi Mitchell, Ryan Johnson, and Shelley Ardis—standing in front of Dr. Ardis’ presentation title slide.
Please join us in welcoming Karen Perlongo to FSDB!

Karen works at the Blind High School as an Instructional Assistant. She had taught French and TV Production for eighteen years or so before coming to FSDB.

" I have heard a lot about FSDB and how great everyone is, and found out its true!" shared Karen.

Karen is orginally from Michigan but has been in Florida for the past twenty years. A fun fact about her is she loves to swim and scuba dive.

We are so happy to have you here with us!

#ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
19 days ago, FSDB
Karen is wearing a navy blue stripe shirt smiles for her photo in front of a silver backdrop and blue background. Below her photo is a white text graphic that says "Karen Perlongo, BHS Instructional Assistant"
Last week, Blind High School hosted its Spring Concert and Art Show for families, staff, students, and community members. Attendees had the chance to explore Gibbs Hall before and after the concert, where they could admire the sculptures, masks, and paintings created by our talented students in Sculpture 1, 2, and 3 Honors, as well as in the ACCESS 2D courses. The creativity of our students truly shone through!

To view photos of the art show, click here: https://fsdb.zenfolio.com/p121381884

#ThisIsFSDB
19 days ago, FSDB
Creation of The Demogorgon by a Blind student displayed on a black tablecloth.
Creation of a mask that is pink and covered with colorful beads created by a Blind student held for display on a cardboard.
Creation by a blind student of a white canvas board with photos of One Direction band members on all four corners, with a black mask with red eyes and mouth, along with the phrase "I know I'll be alright, we still got the rest of lives."
Two clay surfboards are displayed. The left surfboard is white with blue turtles painted on it, while the right surfboard is white decorated with pink, orange, and yellow hibiscus flowers.
A mask created by a student that looks like a beach with tan color sand, blue for the water, white cotton balls for the clouds and creation of fish swimming through the blue water held for display on a cardboard.
A creation made by a blind student of a yellow chicken looking down on its brown nest with three white eggs ready to hatch.