By: Kathryn Hodgins, Content and Public Relations Specialist, Florida Virtual School 

Enrolling with FLVS Full Time Public Schools in sixth grade, Lia Delgado is one of our remarkable graduating seniors who has turned her personal challenges into triumphs. After battling a brain tumor and undergoing multiple surgeries, Lia found the perfect mix of flexibility and support through FLVS to continue her education. This May, she’s not only celebrating her high school graduation, but also 10 years since her final brain surgery.

Lia’s journey with FLVS began in third grade with FLVS Flex (our individual course option), and by sixth grade, she transitioned to the full-time option. Through FLVS, Lia discovered an educational environment that matched her needs. The flexibility of online learning allowed her to manage her health challenges while pursuing her passions, like creative writing and dance.

Friendships that shaped her high school years

One of Lia’s favorite parts of FLVS has been the friendships she has made through the online school’s clubs and activities. From Creative Writing Club (which she's been part of since sixth grade), to Pop Culture Club, National Honor Society (NHS), and Spanish Honor Society, Lia found her community. She even stepped into leadership roles, serving as NHS Secretary in her junior year and Senior Class Public Relations Officer. 

Her advice to fellow FLVS students: Get involved, but don't overwhelm yourself - find clubs you truly enjoy. 

She adds, “Joining a club is a great way to meet students in other grades, too. You really expand your friend group and make connections across grades and interests.” 

She also enjoyed interacting with her classmates in high school during “Friendship Crew”. Meeting a few times a month, students would play games and chat. 

“My mom would ask why I was always laughing,” Lia said. “But the chat box would be going a hundred miles a minute, and these conversations were so much fun with my friends.”

A passion for writing

Lia’s favorite subjects at FLVS were English and her creative writing class. 

“I loved writing my own short stories and using my creativity for different styles of writing,” she shared. “Being able to explore different styles of writing at FLVS has really prepared me for majoring in English in college next year.”

Looking ahead

Next stop: St. Thomas University in Miami, FL, where Lia will major in English and minor in journalism, with dreams of becoming a fiction or non-fiction author or even a film critic. 

Proud moments and parting advice

As she reflects on her high school career at FLVS, Lia is proud of her role as a senior class officer. 

“Serving my classmates has been a wonderful experience,” she said. “I enjoyed writing and updating the senior website, keeping my classmates up-to-date.” In a graduating class of more than 1,200 students, she is grateful for the friendships she formed.

Her message to future FLVS students is, “While it can seem overwhelming with a large class in virtual learning, by joining clubs and engaging in live lessons, you’ll be able to find lots of peers  who have the same interests as you and make lots of friends - even through the screen.”

Congratulations to our incredible graduate - we can't wait to see what you'll accomplish next!

About the author: Katie Hodgins brings her wealth of experience and passion to the FLVS team, assuming the Content and Public Relations Specialist role. A military veteran and lifelong learner, Katie enjoys communicating unique and innovative stories about people, places, and opportunities to inspire and engage the next generation. Having traveled throughout the world, she is excited to plant roots here in Florida and with Florida Virtual School.