Footballer Ray Sherman gives message of inspiration at Shine On! Extravaganza

VMA Shine On gala co-Chairs are Edward and Jade Valdez and Brenda and Jeff Gaines.

Ira and Fayth Jenkins with their son Ira who graduated VMA in 2018, ODA in 2025 and will attend college at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach.

Famed artist René Dickerson worked on a special Mickey Mouse painting with the VMA students.

Famed artist René Dickerson worked on a special Mickey Mouse painting with the VMA students that was auctioned at the Shine On gala.

VMA Principal Janjay Gehndyu was nearly speechless when presented with this coveted Top Leader 2025 award from the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools.

The Visible Men Academy staff and board members gather for a photo at the Shine On gala held on April 25 at The Ora with 165 guests in attendance.

Melkis Ruiz, Sammy Louis-Gene, Diego Velasco, Feinley Louidor and James Carrizo

Fifth grader Wyatt Morton speaks at the Shine On gala held at The Ora on April 25.

Shine On gala paddle raiser Don Frieson with VMA students Sammy Louis-Gene, Melkis Ruiz, James Carrizo, Orlando Benetiz, Marvin Flores, Feinley Louidor and Wyatt Morton

Brenda Gaines with Terry and David Wilkins

William Pacheco, Lori Benton and Wendy Daugherty

Sharon Graham, Marilyn Thompson and Charmaine Downie

Michael and Mirian Weir

Jay Lockaby is the VP of development and community engagement and is photographed with his wife, Tracy.

Keith and Carla Wyche

Linda Woods is escorted into the VMA Shine On gala by Samuel LouisGene.

Mirian Weir and Shirley Pickett

Frank and Sandra Jenkins

VMA Dean of Students Diego Velasco pulls double duty as the emcee for the Shine On gala.

David Golden with VMA second grade teacher Anthony Willis.

Former college and later NFL football star Ray Sherman was the VMA keynote speaker at the Shine On gala held on April 25 at The Ora.

Dr. Lawrence Miller is a co-founder of the Visible Man Academy, which opened in 2012.

The Visible Men Academy held its annual Shine On gala on April 25 at The Ora for 165 guests.

VMA's Shine On silent auction wins: Co-chair Edward Valdez rides out of The Ora on his new bicycle complete with a wine basket.

Shannon Benton, Lori Benton, Loreda Williams and Lynne Thomas

Dr. Lawrence Miller, Shirley Miller, VMA co-founder Louis Parker, Kayon Parker and Stephanie and Lawrence Bailey

Don Freison and his wife, board chair Naiema.

Co-Chair Jeff Gaines gets a kiss from co-Chair Edward Valdez.

Kameron Hodgens and Robyn Faucy shine at the VMA Shine On gala 2025.

Fifth grader Wyatt Morton escorts Katie Oliver to her seat at the Shine On gala.

Michelle and Keith Hohler with Sandy Greenberg

Allen Clark, Frankie Clark Sr. and Frankie Clark Jr. The boys are graduates of VMA and Frankie Jr. graduates from ODA this May.

Volunteer Christine Kratzer makes sure everyone gets the correct bid card as they enter the VMA Shine On gala.

Ken and JoAnn Johns enjoy another Shine On gala raising funds for the Visible Men Academy.

Terry Wilkins is escorted into the VMA Shine On gala by Marvin Flores.