Nov 20, 2019
Brieara Warren is a gregarious FSDB Deaf High School senior from Crescent City who takes pride in her achievements. Now in her sixth year at FSDB, she is set to graduate at the end of the current school year with both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from St. Johns River State College (SJRSC).
Brieara credits Tiffany Kawohl with encouraging her early on to take online courses through the Florida Virtual School and SJRSC. Kawohl is the coordinator of the Learning Opportunity Center at FSDB, the campus "hub" for online education courses. Since taking up Kawohl's challenge during her sophomore year, Brieara has to date accumulated 45 college credits, with 15 additional credits this year. She cites Career Exploration and Professions of Caring courses as helping to narrow her desire to pursue health- or science-related career opportunities. The University of Florida and the University of Central Florida are in her sights for next fall.
Watch student spotlight video of Brieara Warren.
Being at FSDB has been transformative for Brieara, who previously attended public schools in her hometown. Acquiring fluency in sign language and learning about deaf culture and history at FSDB added a new dimension to her life, including the ability to participate in team activities with peers. She has logged work experience hours as a student staff member for the Recreation Program, in addition to volunteer hours for the Bright Futures scholarship.
Active in extracurricular and athletic pursuits, Brieara and her FSDB volleyball team took first place at the 32nd Annual Mason-Dixon Volleyball Tournament last month. She has also been a member of the school cheerleading squad. Previously she served as president of her freshman and junior classes; she also was a member of the Academic Bowl team during her freshman and sophomore years. Brieara also loves being part of the Dance Troupe, declaring that "Performing on stage helped me break out of my shell and be more confident in myself."
When asked about her proudest FSDB accomplishments, Brieara said, "There have been so many! Last spring, I was honored to be selected by and represent FSDB as a Sunshine State Scholar. FSDB has given me the chance to discover my passions and the encouragement to go after my dreams."
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