Paige Hart-Myers is an honor graduate from Orange Park, Florida. While at FSDB, Paige participated in Art Club, Young Life, Student Leadership Council, Social Dance Club, and the on-campus student work program. She was named Homecoming Princess in the 11th grade and Homecoming Queen in the 12th grade. Paige was also inducted into the National Honor Society.Some of her most cherished memories at FSDB are of spending time with friends on campus. After graduation, Paige will continue to increase her independent living skills while training to enter the workforce.
Congratulations Paige!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Ivabella Carrie Essex is from St. Augustine, Florida, and she is graduating with honors. During her time at the FSDB, she participated in several activities, including Close-Up, the Dance Troupe, Junior NAD, and the Yearbook Committee. Additionally, she was a member of the basketball, flag football, track and field, and volleyball teams. One of her favorite memories at FSDB is winning the Clerc Classic Championship in Austin, Texas. After graduation, she plans to attend the RIT to study either Hospitality and Tourism or Nutrition, as she is still deciding on her future career path.
Congratulations Ivabella!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
This is Franklin Stewart.
Franklin began his journey at FSDB in 1999 as a pre-kindergartener and graduated in 2015.
One of his favorite memories as a student was in the fall of 2013 when the FSDB football team was recognized as deaf national champions. The team played an unforgettable game against the California School for the Deaf-Fremont, winning with a game-sealing interception touchdown.
"The energy, pride, and sense of community in that moment made it truly special and something I'll never forget," Franklin stated.
He returned to FSDB because it has always felt like a second home to him. As a former student, he experienced firsthand how much the staff and teachers truly cared about and invested in his success as well as that of others. His time at FSDB had a lasting impact on him, and now he wants to give back by supporting the next generation of Deaf students.
Franklin started as an associate teacher and later transitioned to the role of coordinator of student enterprises. He has also served as an assistant coach for both the football and wrestling teams.
Reflecting on his time as an employee, he shared, "One of my favorite memories was serving as an assistant coach for the football and wrestling teams. Those roles allowed me to build strong, meaningful connections with the student-athletes."
A fun fact about Franklin is that he is a HUGE Florida Gators fan. Go Gators!
We love having you as part of the FSDB Family!
#FSDBGrowingUpAtFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam #ThisIsFSDB
Hello FSDB Families,
We wanted to send a reminder that this weekend will be a "Long Weekend." All students will go home today, Friday, May 9, at 2:05 p.m. There is no school on Monday, so students can spend time with their families on Sunday for Mother's Day. SHOW Bus students will be picked up on Monday, May 12, at their normal pick-up time. Classes will resume on Tuesday, May 13.
We hope you have a wonderful long weekend and a Happy Mother's Day!
Bryan Hart is from St. Augustine, Florida.. While at FSDB, Bryan participated in the chess club, Young Life, Coding Club, Student Leadership Council, Close-Up, Goalball, VERC, and the Poetry Slam. Bryan participated in the 2025 Run with a Vision 5k, taking 1st place in the Blind Runner category. Bryan was awarded as St. Johns County Student of the Month. After graduation, Bryan plans to attend the Career, Technology, and Training Center to obtain certification in Technology and Cybersecurity. He then plans to attend UNF to continue his education in the field of technology.
Congratulations, Bryan!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Juliana Diego is from West Palm Beach, Florida. While at FSDB, she was on the basketball, track & field, and volleyball teams. Her favorite memories at FSDB include taking a trip to see manatees in 6th grade. After graduation, she plans on attending college, but her major is undecided.
Congratulations Juliana!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
The FSDB Dance Program will take over our social media tonight with their performance, "Under the Big Top" at Kirk Auditorium.
#FSDBTakeoverThursdays
Sara Griley is from St. Augustine, Florida. She has earned the title of Salutatorian for the class of 2025. While at FSDB, Sara participated in the Book Club, Yearbook Club, Student Leadership Council, Art Club, and the National Honor Society. She was a member of the SAC team, the Sub SAC team, and part of the Tech Crew for the International Thespian Society. Sara served as class Treasurer during her 12th grade year, Secretary during the 11th grade, and Sergeant of Arms during the 9th grade. Sara was named Homecoming Lady for the 9th grade Homecoming court. Her favorite memories at FSDB are spending time with friends and enjoying the ice cream socials. Sara was the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen award. Sara earned 15 credits at St. Johns River State College through the dual enrollment program. Sara has been accepted into the University of North Florida, where she plans to study computer science.
Congratulations, Sara!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Kayla Symone Debrow is from Jacksonville, Florida. She is graduating with honors. While at FSDB, she was involved in the Dance Troupe and on the basketball, flag football, track & field, and volleyball teams. Her favorite memories at FSDB include making history by winning the Clerc Championships and having good moments with her teammates. After graduation, she plans on attending Gallaudet University to study and become a physical education teacher or coach.
Congratulations Kayla!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
In October 2024, a donor went to the FSDB Museum and gave away the chair that had been in his family for three generations. Originally, it was owned by his grandfather, who was blind and went to the Perkins School for the Blind in Massachusetts around 1884. As a young boy, his grandfather created the caned chair and kept it within the family. The donor is now 75 years old, is determined to preserve the chair and does not want to lose it or have it destroyed. So, he has donated it to the FSDB Museum for preservation.
The Caned Chair is 140 years old.
The chair will be showcased as a replica in the Museum, allowing blind students and visitors to appreciate its significance.
It’s important to highlight that from the 1930s to the 1960s, blind students at FSDB crafted caned chairs. This remarkable history underscores the significance of including a replica, as it honors their creativity and celebrates a vital part of our heritage.
Fact history: Mr. Thomas Gibbs, who was FSDB teacher (1921 to 1956) for blind students, taught blind students how to craft the caned chair. See the photo below. There is a building named after Mr. Gibbs on FSDB campus in his honor.
Credit: FSDB Museum
#FSDBWayBackWhensdays
Michael Diaz-Ramos is from St. Augustine. While attending FSDB, Michael participated in the Dungeons and Dragons Club. He was a student worker in the recreation department where he worked as a pool assistant, as well as in the Cobra Corner, where he earned the Florida SafeStaff certification. Michael attended First Coast Technical College as part of the HVAC program. After graduation, he plans to return to First Coast Technical College to obtain an electrical certification.
Congratulations, Michael!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Tyler Bernard Bosket is from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While at FSDB, he was involved in the Dance Troupe and the wrestling team. His favorite memories at FSDB include making new friends. After graduation, he plans on attending college and becoming a car dealer.
Congratulations Tyler!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Students at the Deaf Elementary School learned about Deaf History Month in April. They had the opportunity to showcase their work during an event that took place on May 2nd.
#FSDBCampusLifeTuesdays
Charlie Kameron Denley is from Starke, FL. While at FSDB, she participated in Art Club and Young Life. Her favorite memories while at FSDB were participating in the Braille Challenge at the Jacksonville Public Library. While living in the dorm, she enjoyed learning American Sign Language from her dorm staff. After graduation, she plans to attend the Career, Technology, and Training Center while taking online college classes.
Congratulations Charlie!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Dylan Bellorin Santos is from Orlando, Florida, and is graduating with honors. During his time at FSDB, he participated in the basketball, football, and track and field teams. Some of his favorite memories from FSDB include winning championships in football and basketball at the Mason-Dixon tournaments. After graduation, he plans to attend Gallaudet University or SWCD to pursue a career in coaching.
Congratulations Dylan!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
On April 30, Kevin and Mohini's first block class prepared Indian cuisine. They made butter chicken, vegetables, rice pilaf, pita, cucumber, and yogurt raita. The students discussed various spices, traditions, and cultures associated with the dishes. Everyone enjoyed learning and tasting the food. They did an excellent job and worked hard as a team!
#FSDBAcademicMonday
Hello FSDB Families...We are excited to announce that the FSDB Dance Program will perform "Under the Big Top" on Thursday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m. in Kirk Auditorium. Students from both the Blind and Deaf Departments will be participating in this performance.
If you plan to attend in person, please arrive early. Enter the campus through the Genoply Street entrance, which intersects with San Marco Avenue, and proceed to the guardhouse to check in with Campus Police for parking instructions. Remember to bring identification.
We look forward to seeing you there!
If you can't attend, you can watch the livestream of the performance here: https://vimeo.com/event/5111404
Zan’Tonio Cromartie is from Tallahassee, FL. While at FSDB, he participated in Drum Line and Show Choir. He loves making music and listening to old school music with his friends in the dorm. After graduation, Zan’Tonio plans to attend the Career, Technology, and Training Center and to enter the workforce.
Congratulations Zan'Tonio!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
Guadalupe Lee Bazaldua is from Arcadia. While at FSDB, she was involved on the cheerleading team. Her favorite memories include being a cheerleader and spending time with her team and the ESOL staff. After graduation, she plans on becoming a dental assistant.
Congratulations Guadalupe!
#ClassOf2025 #FSDBSeniors #ThisIsFSDB #YouBelongAtFSDB #FSDBFam
This week, both departments have been extremely busy!
- The Dance Troupe held their musical performance, "Frozen Jr.," for the community on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, along with a private performance during the day on Thursday. To view the photos, click the link shared: https://zenfolio.page.link/EFCHA
- Additionally, on Thursday, May 1, Blind High School hosted its prom at Tringali Barn.
#FSDBRecapSundays
