The post she put on Facebook said it best – Big Girl Step!

And it was!

On April 4th, Quitman High School alum and Louisiana Tech Nursing School graduate, Florence Curaza, received her Registered Nurse license.  

While very impressive, the achievement is not surprising. The dedication and commitment that it takes to earn such a status is something that Curaza has demonstrated her whole life. 

QHS fans will remember Curaza from her playing days as a Lady Wolverine basketball player from 2017-20 and the legacy that she left of overcoming adversity. 

In her sophomore year, (2017-18), Curaza was named district MVP after leading QHS to the district 1B championship. What made the selection unique was that the diminutive guard was not the leading scorer or rebounder as in most cases. Her selection was the result of her tenacious defensive effort and team leadership that was so apparent that it resonated with all the coaches of the district.

Then tragedy struck!

Just prior to district play beginning during her junior year, Curaza suffered a devastating knee injury that looked like it would end her career. While she did miss the remainder of the season, Curaza was determined to come back and through many days of painful and diligent work rehabbing the knee, she was back on the court for her senior year. 

Not only did she compete again, she earned second team All-District honors and was a catalyst in leading Quitman to the District 2B championship. “Flo”, as she is fondly recognized by friends and family, also left a lasting impression on QHS girls basketball coach Kyle Leach. 

“Flo always had such a positive attitude that it was contagious,” remembered Leach. “She never complained and was always encouraging her teammates. She was the type of player that you dream about being able to coach.”

Added to her Facebook post that also shows the letter she got form the Louisiana State Board of Nursing congratulating her on receiving her multi-state license, Flo wrote that this closed a big chapter in her life. 

It also opens the door for another. One that based on the example that she has demonstrated, no doubt will be filled with tremendous achievement.