Distinguished business owner, educator, alumni, and motivational speaker Oscar Ocuto of Austin, Texas will provide remarks as the guest presenter for the 105th FSDB Commencement Ceremony to be held on Friday, May 24, 2019 (details below). He will share words of inspiration with 2019 graduates from across the state of Florida as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Ocuto, who graduated from FSDB in 1997, is currently a doctoral candidate at Lamar University and the founder of 512 Terps, a Deaf-owned sign language interpreting agency based in Austin, Texas. He will touch on how FSDB graduates can transition into today’s fast-paced world with three key ingredients: an open mind, a solid work ethic, and a strong value of mentorship. Learn more about Oscar Ocuto's background and accomplishments.
Special honors will be bestowed upon Co-Valedictorians Martin G. (Gage) Vanderwerf and Zoe Elizabeth Wilson and Salutatorian Reahna Faith Robinson of the FSDB Blind High School Class of 2019, as well as Valedictorian Kilmaried Janet Muñiz Rivera and Salutatorian Jenny Mildred Cicio of the FSDB Deaf High School Class of 2019. Both valedictorians will address their respective classes.
Martin G. (Gage) Vanderwerf of Marianna is a member of the National Honor Society; he plans to attend Chipola State College and major in Education with a minor in Business. At FSDB, Gage was a member of the record-breaking Swimming team and participated in Young Life, Ski Club, and numerous after-school work program and extracurricular activities. He holds Safe Staff and OSHA certifications. Gage is also the owner of a cattle business that he runs from his hometown.
Zoe Elizabeth Wilson of Holiday is a member of the National Honor Society and is a Bright Futures Scholarship recipient; she plans to attend Florida State University (First Semester Abroad) and major in Health Sciences or Sports Medicine with a minor in American Sign Language. At FSDB, Zoe has earned varsity letters in Goalball, Cheerleading, Soccer, Swimming, and Track and Field. She was active in the Dance Troupe, Close Up, and the Ski Club; she was president of the senior class and voted as Homecoming Queen, Prom Queen, and Miss FSDB. Zoe also volunteered with the FSDB Athletic Department, Young Life youth group, and the Ponte Vedra Sharks cheerleading squad.
Reahna Faith Robinson of Jacksonville is a member of the Florida Future Educators Association and the National Honor Society. She is also a Bright Futures Scholarship recipient. and plans to attend Florida State University and major in Music Education. At FSDB, Reahna was a member of the Book Club, Chorus, Drum Line, Student Council, and Young Life. Also, she was President of the Student Council and Vice President of the Senior Class. Reahna was also a member of the Jacksonville Children's Chorus for three years, and she sang with the chamber at St. Augustine High School.
Kilmaried Janet Muñiz Rivera of Palm Coast plans to attend Daytona State College and major in the field of dentistry. At FSDB, Kilmaried has excelled as an Honor Roll student and was involved with a wide range of Career and Technical Education course opportunities, including Culinary Arts and work experience classes. She was also active in the Book Club. Kilmaried also served as a volunteer in her home community by working at a bookkeeping company and providing elderly care support services as part of an outreach ministry hosted by her church.
Jenny Mildred Cicio of Green Cove Springs plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology to study art and design, having earned Adobe Animation certification during her senior year. At FSDB, Jenny has excelled as an Honor Roll student, served as a secretary and treasurer of her high school class and as a member of the Soccer team. Active in sports, she served as a student manager for the Basketball and Volleyball teams. Jenny was also active in community service by working with children in a local children’s hospital, helping with state park and public beach cleanups, and volunteering at school sporting events.
FSDB Board of Trustees Chair Christopher D. Wagner and FSDB President Dr. Jeanne Glidden Prickett will provide commencement remarks. Additional trustees include Christine M. Chapman, Linda C. DiGonzalez, Vice Chair Owen B. McCaul, Ralph V. Hadley, III, and Dr. Thomas M. Zavelson.
Confirmed dignitaries include Robert Doyle, Director of the Florida Division of Blind Services; Chris Force, Assistant Principal, First Coast Technical College; James Johns and Paul Waldron, Commissioners, St. Johns County; Glenn Yeary, Representative, FSDB Blind Alumni Association; Jacquelyn Lally, President, FSDB Deaf Alumni Association; and Lisa Rose, President, Florida Association of the Deaf.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
The FSDB Museum “A Walk Through Time: FSDB 1885-2015” exhibit in Alumni Hall is open to the public from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The FSDB Dance Troupe Final Performance is at 7:00 pm. Visitors interested in attending the performance should enter the campus through the Genoply Street entrance that intersects with San Marco Avenue, and then proceed to the guardhouse to check in with Campus Police. Please allow sufficient time for check in and parking. Watch this three-hour event via live stream.
Friday, May 24, 2019
The FSDB Board of Trustees will hold its regular Board meeting at 9:00 am in the Moore Hall Center for Learning and Development (CLD). Learn more about the meeting, which is open to the public.
The FSDB Museum “A Walk Through Time: FSDB 1885-2015” exhibit in Alumni Hall is open to the public from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
The FSDB Senior Awards Ceremony begins at 1:00 pm, followed by the FSDB Commencement Ceremony at 4:00 pm. Attendance is restricted to those with special tickets. Watch both events via live stream.
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, blind/visually impaired, or deafblind. 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.