FSDB proudly announces the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Blind Department and Deaf Department Classes of 2023.
Blind Department Valedictorian – Tristan Kamela Dean Brennan Salutatorian – Bailey Thomas
Deaf Department Valedictorian – Geoffrey Maxwell Porter Salutatorian – Brieillys Gabriela Colon-Mendez
Tristan Kamela Dean Brennan was born in Shanghai, China, but now resides in Jacksonville. Tristan will graduate with honors and has earned 25 credits through dual enrollment at St. Johns River State College. At FSDB, Tristan was active on the student leadership council, Goalball team, Book Club, Ski Club, Close-Up, Young Life, and National Honor Society. After graduation, Tristan plans to pursue a degree in Business Finance.
Bailey Thomas is from Glen St. Mary. She will graduate with honors and has earned 24 credits through dual enrollment at St. Johns River State College. At FSDB, Bailey was a member of the National Honors Society, Yearbook, Student Leadership Council, Creative Writing Club, Young Life, Bookclub, and Art Expression Club and took guitar and piano lessons. During her freshman year, Bailey represented her class on the former Student Council, and in tenth grade, she became, and remains, class president. Bailey has been accepted to Florida State University, where she plans to major in Social Work.
Geoffrey Maxwell Porter is an honor graduate from St. Augustine. He has been a member of the Academic Bowl, Robotics team, Drone Club, and Dance Troupe. His proudest moment at FSDB was being named Valedictorian of his class. After graduation, Geoffrey plans to go on a two-year mission, then attend Embry -Riddle Aeronautical Univerity, majoring in Aerospace Engineering.
Brieillys Gabriela Colon-Mendez is an honor graduate from Jacksonville. She has earned multiple honor rolls, Principal's honor, and Character Counts. Brieillys was a member of the Cheerleading and Volleyball teams, as well as a member of the Dance Troupe, class officials, and JrNAD. Her proudest moment at FSDB was winning two Mason-Dixon Championships and the National Deaf Cheerleading Competition. Brieillys plans to attend Gallaudet University and study business or go to pet grooming school.