In February 2021, First Lady DeSantis launched a Resiliency initiative for Florida schools to emphasize key character development skills, including volunteerism, teamwork and problem solving.

In October 2022, First Lady DeSantis strengthened the Resiliency initiative further at the SBOE meeting. The SBOE approved rule revisions to initiate a first-in-the-nation approach to connecting the concepts of students’ readiness, resiliency and, when necessary, response and recovery. 

In alignment with the Resiliency Education Standards established by the Florida Department of Education in 2023, Lake County Schools has revised its programs and practices to assist teachers in the development of more resilient and healthy youth through an intentional focus on the following key characteristics.

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

• Responsibility

• Mentorship and Volunteerism

• Gratitude

• Empathy

• Citizenship

• Honesty

• Perseverance

• Responsible Decision Making

• Self-Awareness

• Self-Management