Paris Bound: Molly Earns Her Spot on the Special Olympics USA Team
Molly has qualified for the Special Olympics USA Team and will be traveling to Paris this summer!
Since age 4, soccer has been a big part of Molly’s life. In 2025, she began playing with Special Olympics and found more than just a sport, she found her happy place. “Playing on the field is my therapy,” Molly shares. It’s where she builds friendships, gains confidence, and channels her energy.
Now a rising senior in the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. program, Molly has achieved something incredible, she’s been selected for the Special Olympics USA Team!
She will compete in the Unified Football World Cup in Paris (July 6–11, 2026), an event that celebrates inclusion, teamwork, and the power of sport to unite people of all abilities.
We are so proud of you, Molly! Keep shining on and off the field, Paris is lucky to have you!
A Year to Remember: Celebrating Our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had a wonderful graduation party to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments throughout this past year.
Students participated in graduation themed activities including puzzles and word searches and had the opportunity to make end of year scrapbooks. Students reflected on all of the wonderful things they did throughout the school year and enjoyed looking back at the photos.
Students then got to make their own sandwiches choosing this bread, meat, and toppings of choice. Students enjoyed lunch together and socialized while taking in the final moments of their last day of school all together.
Congratulations to our three graduates!! We are so proud of you!
Graduation Day: Celebrating the Journey and the Success of Our Students
We are so proud to celebrate the graduates from our Miami-Dade and Broward County B.R.I.D.G.E.S. programs!
Their dedication, perseverance, and hard work have brought them to this incredible milestone. As they take the next steps in their postsecondary journeys, we couldn’t be prouder of all they have accomplished.
Congratulations to our graduates—your future is bright, and we can’t wait to see all you achieve!
Why This Work Matters: Celebrating the Growth and Success of Our Students
Some people are fortunate to find a career they are truly passionate about. From my beginnings as a public-school teacher to my role as Program Manager of the HDS Foundation, I have had the privilege of working with the most incredible and inspiring students with unique abilities—both in high school and college—through our B.R.I.D.G.E.S., College Mentors, and our support of programs like University of North Florida THRIVE Program.
Watching our students grow, build confidence, and step into their futures as they prepare for graduation is both inspiring and deeply rewarding. Their determination, resilience, and joy remind me every day why this work matters.
Here’s to our amazing students, who show us that with the right support and belief, anything is possible.
Turning Challenges into Purpose: Carter Bonas Inspires B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students
As the founder of Carter’s Spectrum Golf and Spectrum Farm, he is helping others build confidence, learn life skills, and embrace healthier lifestyles. Our students were truly inspired, not only by his story, but by the chance to connect with him personally (even discovering a shared love of gaming!).
Carter showed us all that with determination, passion, and heart, anything is possible!
Congratulations B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students!
City of Stars: Celebrating a Night to Remember at Prom
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had an unforgettable time celebrating Prom with this year’s 'City of Stars' theme Students enjoyed a magical evening filled with great food, dancing, and socializing with friends. It was a night full of joy, connection, and lasting memories...
A Perfect End-of-Year Celebration
After a fantastic year of hard work and achievement, the B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students celebrated with a fun-filled trip to Bird Bowl! Students enjoyed bowling, sharing pizza, and challenging one another in arcade games. The day was full of laughter, excitement, and...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Students Celebrate Growth & Friendship
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class had their End of Year party at Japan Inn to celebrate a wonderful year of learning and friendship. Students had the opportunity to choose an item from the lunch menu practicing skills such as decision making, ordering themselves, and...
Cheers to an Incredible Year: B.R.I.D.G.E.S. End-of-Year Celebration
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. class celebrated a memorable End-of-Year luncheon at Chili's Bar & Grill, filled with great food, laughter, and time to reflect on an incredible year of growth, friendship, and achievement. A special highlight was a surprise slideshow featuring...
Discovering Pathways: Students Explore Career Opportunities at Arc Broward
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a wonderful opportunity to visit Arc Broward and explore their incredible Arc Educates post‑graduate programs! Students had the opportunity to take part in an inspiring and informative tour of the facility. During their visit, they...
Surfing with Souza
The B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students “rolled” into an exciting and interactive Q&A experience with their principal, Mr. Souza. To prepare, students created thoughtful questions across different categories—like “get to know you,” school life, leadership, and advice for...
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors Take on Grad Bash!
Our Miami -Dade B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Seniors had an amazing time attending Grad Bash! Thanks to the support of the HDS B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Grant, students were given the opportunity to participate in this unforgettable experience alongside their peers. It was a night full of...
Special Delivery: A Heartfelt Learning Experience
Last week, our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. students had a meaningful hands-on learning experience! They learned all about what it takes to send a letter—including how to write a mailing address, return address, and add a stamp. Students addressed their own envelopes and wrote...
Celebrating the Heart of Our Programs: Honoring Our Dedicated Educators
We are excited to spotlight our amazing teachers and education support professionals in our B.R.I.D.G.E.S. and University of North Florida THRIVE Programs. Each day, they bring dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to empowering students to grow, succeed, and...