Juley’a Sanders, a graduate of Bridge to Success Academy High School, turned her earlier academic struggles into determination after realizing, "I went to school for the wrong reasons." At the academy, she completed two grade years in a single school year, graduating in December 2024, according to the Duval County Public Schools.
Her dedication caught the attention of Principal Megan McKinney, who noted, "Every single day, she was here from 9 to 4, with no transportation, taking city bus after city bus just to volunteer." This persistence led to a full-time office assistant position, with McKinney adding, "It’s about taking advantage of opportunities and advocating for yourself, and she’s done both," as reported by the Duval County Public Schools.
Caitlin Soward, a social studies teacher at the academy, said about students like Sanders, "It just proves that what we’re doing is working." Sanders plans to start courses at Florida State College at Jacksonville in January 2026 to become an LPN, with hopes of later becoming a pediatrician. She continues to be involved in the school that helped her succeed, as stated by the Duval County Public Schools.
