By Camila Sanchez, Staff Reporter
Stepping onto the field with skill and determination, Senior Salvatore DeLuca has been a true force on the boys’ varsity soccer team.
However, his achievements don’t stop there. Graduating with his Associates of Arts degree his junior year, DeLuca has shown incredible dedication both on and off the field.
DeLuca reflects on the past with gratitude and looks into the future with unwavering ambition. In this interview, Camila Sanchez, Aleesa Janey, Simone Stephenson and Sofia De Cespedes are shinning a spotlight on this exceptional athlete and scholar, celebrating his remarkable journey and bright future ahead.
Growing up, DeLuca dabbled in various sports, but soccer is the one that truly resonated, sticking with him for the last 15 years. His commitment on the varsity team is a testament to his dedication and love for the game. The countless of memories created with teammates and coaches are treasures he will carry with him forever.
Yet, despite his deep connection with this sport, DeLuca has chosen to focus on the academics in his future rather than pursuing soccer at a competitive level.
His coaches and teammates have always been a great inspiration in any given situation. Stepping into the role of captain this past season, DeLuca not only improved his soccer skills, but he also developed invaluable leadership skills. His ability to lift team morale after a loss and keeping everyone’s heads held high was a true display of character.
DeLuca’s experience as a dual enrolled student set him apart from the typical high schooler. Initially juggling sports and academics was a challenge, but he was soon able to adapt and has excelled ever since.
With two sisters who previously thrived in the same program, he was no stranger to it. Their success and his father’s encouragement, was the building blocks of his journey, providing both inspiration and the necessary push to reach his impressive milestones.
Despite the inevitable burnout from managing a hefty workload, he found comfort and enjoyment in activities such as hitting the gym, skateboarding and spending time with friends. His ability to maintain this balance is admirable, and while he does wish he would have taken more classes at times, he carries no regret.
His genuine advice to aspiring students is to avoid procrastination, engage with your guidance counselors early and tackle all those prerequisites head on to smoothly transition into dual enrollment.
DeLuca plans on attending Embry-Riddle University and has his sights set on pursuing a career in cyber security. He is currently working on his bachelor’s degree in Information technology bachelors at Daytona State College, and he is going to start a computer science degree at Embry Riddle next semester.
As senior year soon comes to an end, DeLuca leaves behind a legacy with his contributions to the soccer team. Earning his A.A degree his junior year is a point of pride for him alongside his soccer achievements. Diving deeper down memory lane, reflecting on the good times at homecoming, prom, football events and The Growl stand out from his time here.
As the final chapter at DHS closes, DeLuca looks ahead to new adventures, carrying with him the lessons, memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. His story is not just one of success: it is a blueprint for those to follow.
Interview by Camila Sanchez, Simone Stephenson, & Sofia De Cespedes
