At Central Florida Vocal Arts, we believe in the power of the arts to transform lives. For students like Shea, our Group Voice Class in collaboration with Pace Center for Girls Orange represents more than just musical training—it’s an opportunity for personal growth, self-expression, and a brighter future. Shea’s story is one of extraordinary resilience, a young woman whose journey has been marked by determination, strength, and a deep love for music.
The Road to Pace: A Journey of Determination
Shea’s daily routine is nothing short of inspiring. Every weekday, she wakes up before the sun, starting her commute at 5:00 am from her home in Deland to Pace Center for Girls Orange in Winter Park. This journey spans up to four hours, as she navigates buses and trains in order to reach the place that has become a cornerstone of her future. While many students take short drives or buses to school, Shea’s commitment to her education—and to her dreams—is reflected in this grueling daily journey.
For Shea, this effort is not just about getting to class. It’s about accessing the resources and support that help her thrive academically, personally, and emotionally. Pace Center for Girls Orange offers Shea and her peers the guidance, structure, and counseling they need to flourish, helping them navigate the challenges of growing up in difficult circumstances.
Shea’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. She doesn’t let obstacles define her; instead, she uses them as motivation to keep moving forward. She describes how the opportunity to express herself at Pace, and the valuable feedback she receives, helps her build the confidence and skills she’ll need in the future. “I come to Pace because I’m able to share my feelings and get good feedback that will help me in the future,” Shea says. “I plan to go to Full Sail University after graduating high school because I’ve always loved music. It was always a big part of my life growing up because we didn’t have money—we couldn’t do a lot of things or go to a lot of places. Music was the one thing I could have for free.”
Central Florida Vocal Arts: A Partner in Shea’s Journey
At Central Florida Vocal Arts, we are proud to partner with organizations like Pace Center for Girls Orange. Through this partnership, we help provide Shea and her peers with access to diverse arts education opportunities that not only enhance their vocal skills but also nurture their creativity and emotional well-being.
We are passionate about providing programs that affirm the importance of every individual’s voice, not just in music, but in life. Guided by our core values of Excellence, Impact, Inclusivity, and Equity, we work to create an environment where students like Shea feel empowered to be their most authentic selves.
Shea’s journey in our Group Voice Class is a perfect example of how arts education can help young people unlock their potential. Through our classes, students are encouraged to explore their talents, overcome challenges, and express themselves in a supportive, non-judgmental space. Whether it’s learning a new vocal technique or discovering the power of their own voice, the process of music-making allows students to connect with themselves and each other in profound ways.
The Power of Arts in Holistic Education
Pace Center for Girls’ mission is deeply aligned with our own values at Central Florida Vocal Arts: to provide girls and young women with the tools they need to find their voices, achieve their potential, and lead empowered lives. Shea’s story exemplifies how arts education and holistic mental health support can serve as catalysts for positive change. It’s through our partnership with Pace that we can make a meaningful impact on Shea’s life and the lives of other young women in our community.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The collaboration between Central Florida Vocal Arts and Pace Center for Girls Orange, born in 2020, is built on a shared vision of creating safer, more inclusive spaces in the arts for all students. Together, we work to break down the barriers that often keep young people from accessing high-quality arts education and performance opportunities. We believe that every individual deserves the chance to experience the transformative power of the arts, regardless of background or circumstance.
Looking Ahead: Shea’s Future
As Shea looks toward her future, we are excited to watch her continue to grow and thrive. Her plans to attend Full Sail University to pursue a career in music are just the beginning of what we know will be a bright and successful journey. With the support of Pace Center for Girls Orange and the arts education she receives through Central Florida Vocal Arts, Shea is well on her way to achieving her dreams and becoming the kind of artist, leader, and change-maker she aspires to be.
At Central Florida Vocal Arts, we are honored to be a part of Shea’s journey, and we look forward to continuing our work alongside organizations like Pace to make a lasting impact on the lives of young women in Central Florida. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community—one voice at a time.
Join Us
If you are inspired by Shea’s story and would like to support Central Florida Vocal Arts in our mission to provide access to transformative arts education, we invite you to get involved. Whether through donations, volunteering, or attending our performances, there are many ways to help us expand the reach of our programs and make a difference in the lives of young artists across Central Florida.
To learn more about our programs, upcoming performances, and ways to support our mission, visit Centralfloridavocalarts.org
Together, we can continue to transform lives through the power of the arts.
