Students came together in Kirk Auditorium on Tuesday, January 29, to celebrate recent FSDB successes at three separate Mason-Dixon Schools for the Deaf Athletic Association tournaments. FSDB President Jeanne Glidden Prickett gave high praise to student-athletes for their accomplishments during her congratulatory remarks, also noting their commitment to academics.
Coaches Eric LeFors and Dakota Kalis (boys basketball), Lia Ferrante and Kristina Garcia (cheerleading), and Joy and Rex Moers (girls basketball) each brought their teams to the stage for team recognition and brief highlights, followed by "high five" applause by all in attendance both on stage and in the audience.
The 67th Annual Mason-Dixon Boys Basketball Tournament and cheerleading competition took place January 24-26, 2019 at the Mississippi School for the Deaf. The FSDB Dragons went in as the fourth seed amid a field of 11 state schools, and they finished in third place - the final score was FSDB 51, East North Carolina School for the Deaf 41. Three sophomores were named to the All-Tournament Team - Walter Douglas (Sanford), Josiah Roberson (Jacksonville), and Allen Rosales (Daytona Beach). The FSDB Boys Basketball team has had 5 past Mason-Dixon championships.
Four school teams competed for the 49th Annual Mason-Dixon Cheerleading Competition. The FSDB Dragons clinched the championship. The first place jump contest winner was Zaniesha Williams (Freshman, Lauderhill); Nolan Fisher (Junior, Gainesville) came in third place. Coach Ferrante also recognized Zoe Wilson (Senior, Holiday) for her athletic and academic excellence. The FSDB Cheerleading team has had 15 past Mason-Dixon championships.
Eleven state schools came together in St. Augustine for the 42nd Annual Mason-Dixon Girls Basketball Tournament, hosted by FSDB during the same weekend. The FSDB Dragons led by as many as 20 points in the third quarter; they succeeded in holding off Mississippi who won the past three championships. Olivia Brown led FSDB with 29 points, 12 steals, and six assists. The steals were one short of the school record, and the final score was FSDB 59, Mississippi 52. The Dragons previously earned championships in YEARS; however, this was the first time they won as school host. Freshman Olivia Brown of Miami was named tournament Most Valuable Player; Ja’Myra Harris (sophomore, Ocala) and Lourdine Jordonnne (sophomore, Delray Beach) also made the All-Tournament Team. The FSDB Girls Basketball team has had 5 past Mason-Dixon championships.
Distinguished Service Honoree Donna Johnson (Assistant Principal for Physical Education at FSDB) remarked that "The Mason-Dixon Girls Basketball Tournament recognition is a huge honor - it is not about me.
This year's competition at FSDB is the best I've been to in eleven years, and the girls were amazing!"
Related Links
About FSDB
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a tuition-free state public school and outreach center available to eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired. At FSDB, students learn how to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success. FSDB gratefully accepts private donations to support vital programs that directly benefit students and are not paid by state general revenue funds. For a campus tour or to inquire about eligibility for enrollment, contact FSDB Parent Services at 904-827-2212 voice or 904-201-4527 videophone. For more information, visit www.fsdbk12.org