lone star spring 2011

Letter from the EditorSpring is the busiest time of the year at TSD! And this year was not an exception. We rolled fast into all the End of the Year activities, including TSDF’s biggest fundraiser, the Diamond Event, and TSD awards and celebrations.

I hope you enjoy this issue and have a wonderful summer so you can re-charge and come back to TSD with renewed energies for the next School Year.

As always thanks to all the supporters, writers and photographers that keep submitting material for this magazine. I truly hope that you enjoy the articles and the visual display of this Lone Star.

Find all the stories that are featured on this journal also online, take a time to visit us, read and share the stories.

www.tsd.state.tx.us/lonestar

Thank you,

Fernando Muñoz

t: (512)-462-5327 | e: [email protected] South Congress Avenue. Austin, Texas 78704.

Table of ContentsCover Story8-11....................................Graduating.Class.of.2011

Features4-5.......................................................The.Wizard.of.Oz.

Brings.Magic.and.Music.to.TSD6....................................................... .“Boots.and.Bling”

5th.Annual.Diamond.Event.

7..............................................TSD.Partner.of.the.Year12-14...............Improving.Fitness.and.Health.at.TSD15......................................... Austin.Sertoma.Presents.

National.Heritage.Awards16......................................................Other.Happenings17................................. April.2011:.Discovery.Retreat18-19........................................................Ranger.News

2010-2011.Sports.Banquet.

Front CoverSalutatorian,.Ashlee.Lambert.and.Valedictorian.Christian.Escamilla.

www.tsd.state.tx.us/lonestar

V O L U M E 1 3 2 , N o . 1S p r i n g 2 0 11

( I S S N 0 8 9 3 - 2 9 6 4 )

Lone StarEditor/Art Director:

Fernando MuñozContributors:

Claire Bugen, Clint Sadler, Anne Adams, Keena Miller, Nick Bannon, David Coco and Chris Hamilton.

Special thanks to:Cynthia Foss, Diana Poeppelmeyer, Richard Norton, Clyde Egbert and Community Impact Newspapers.

Photography:Richard Norton, Fernando Muñoz, TSD staff and students.

Subscription InfoA one year subscription to Lone Star, the quarterly journal of the Texas School for the Deaf, costs $10. Send check and mailing address information to:

Lone Star EditorTexas School for the Deaf1102 South Congress Ave

Austin, TX 78704

TSD Staff congratulates the students during the Senior Walk.

AdministrationClaire Bugen

Superintendent

Sean VirnigDirector of Education

Gloria Seidlin-BernsteinDirector of Student Support Services

Gary BegoDirector of Business and Operations

Russell O. WestDirector of Residential Services

Governing BoardWalt Camenisch, President

Connie Sefcik-Kennedy, Vice President

Sha Cowan, Secretary

Jean Andrews Beatrice Burke

Eric HogueTyran Lee

Susan RidleyAngie Wolf

J O U R N a L O f t h E t E x a S S c h O O L f O R t h E D E a f

2 Lone Star • Spring 2011

Messagefrom the Superintendent

Dear TSD Community,Welcome to our Spring issue of the Lone Star. By the time you read we will have concluded another school year, and summer programs will be in full swing. This summer, in addition to all our traditional camps, we are hosting Gallaudet Athletic Camps, Extended Year Services and Accelerated Instruction programs to support students in passing their state assessment tests.

As you know from my previous columns we successfully navigated the legislative session this spring and avoided the threatened 10% reduction to our budget for fiscal years 2011 and 2012.

While that is great news we will still be below current level of funding due to the 7.5% reduction for this current school year. We have implemented a new budget input process that we believe will assist us in reallocating funds to meet many of our strategic objectives for the next two years—and we are hopeful that we can continue to provide the same high quality of services that are currently available at TSD. I would be remiss if I did not pay special tribute to our PTA and parents for their passionate support of our legislative agenda. Without them, the session may have led to a different conclusion.

We are currently making plans for the 2011-2012 school year. It will be a busy year. We will launch year one of our new Strategic Plan and we will also participate in a site visit for our CEASD Accreditation in late October, early November. Additionally we will be implementing our new state assessment program (STAAR), which will replace the TAKS. Our Principals are busy hiring teachers for the new school year and we are making exciting plans for our opening school in-service week, which will include training with Todd Czubek on Language Planning, training on our new curriculum, CSCOPE, and considerable focus on Differentiated Instruction and Response to Intervention. Stay tuned for more news in these areas.

Our commencement activities this year provided their usual charm, with another fine group of young people leaving TSD to begin the next phase of their lives. Many of them came to us as infants, some as young toddlers and others at various stages of their school careers. Each year as they walk across stage, I think about their journeys and wonder if we have given them enough and how they will use what they have learned. The one thing I am sure of is that they have been welcomed into a community that values them and given the opportunity to become more socially, emotionally and intellectually competent. All of this is important but hopefully we have taught them the gift of wisdom. The wisdom to make wise decisions, to have confidence and give back some of what they have received.

Enjoy your summer. Take time to “loaf” a little, to daydream and play. It is important for the whole family to return to school in the fall feeling relaxed, refreshed, and eager to take on another school year. I look forward to doing that with you.

Sincerely,

Claire Bugen

Journal of the Texas School for the Deaf 3

By Clint Sadler

Twenty three years ago TSD graced us with a Wizard of Oz play with a cast that included

Russell Harvard and Mindy Moore. Proud to say many years later, in April 2011, Student Development put on a well-planned production of “Wizard of Oz”. The stage show was fully equipped with intricate props for an eye-pleasing and very colorful set design thanks to Preston Ponder and Natalie Paluso. Even the cast and crews younger sib-lings chipped in their time by playing the munchkins. The Wizard of Oz cast amazed the crowd with their costumes that were borrowed from ZACH The-atre.

“It’s the “ahh” factor,” Clint said, as the audience reacted when Alex Maddux surprised everyone by running across the stage as the Cowardly Lion and warmed up the hearts of the audience” – while Jasilyn added – “I’ve never had the opportunity to show my dancing skills so I wasn’t even sure I had what it takes to perform in a musical. This is

my first time really showing my “hid-den” talent to the world.”

“In the beginning, I didn’t know what to expect and wanted to be a stage crew or have a minor role”, said Kasey. “They convinced me to try out for the scare-crow and I got the role- this whole ex-perience was actually pretty addictive. Once I started memorizing my lines, they kept running in my mind like a broken record. I even started using the quotes in the play, mostly “If I only had a brain”, in everyday conversations and I jump and dance like the scarecrow on my way around school... yeah, this is what being an actor in Wizard of Oz does to you.”

Alex added “This experience, preparing for Wizard of Oz, was like a roller coast-er ride - a lot of hard work and anxiety - but it came with a great result at the end. This play brought a lot of laughs and was a great stress reliever for us all. We couldn’t wait to show to the public what we were working on.”

Ernest shared his experience too – “I’m

a new kid in this school and this play was a great opportunity to get to know my classmates outside of the classroom and make friends. While it was a bit challenging having to slow down my signing pace, I learned that signing on stage and everyday signs have a totally different approach to sign language.”

Early in season the students struggled with their lines during rehearsal. How-ever, the help of Summer Crider really made a difference and – faithful to the quote of Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, “you’ve always had the power”. As time passed the cast started to have a lot of fun with their roles and felt more comfortable being on stage and seeing that they in fact had a “personal power” that made them connect and achieve their goals.

I’m thankful for everyone who helped with Wizard of Oz . A big ‘thank you’ to the TSD staff, students, families and friends who supported and came to see this successful show!

The Wizard of Oz Brings Magic and Music to TSDIn a colorful performance TSD students inspire the audience during the three-day show.

Christian Escamilla, Jonathan Ford, Kasey Smith, Alex Maddux and Valeria Fuentes. Jonathan Ford and Christian Escamilla.


Cast and Crew:Vitaliy DovgalyukShawna DuncanChristian EscamillaJonathan FordValeria FuentesFynlan GreenMonet JamesAmy JohnsonMaggie KoppDarby LaytonAlexander MadduxGerardo MaldonadoJose ManriqueAdan NunezErnest ParraBrandi PraterDaniella ReynaKasey SmithJasilyn WillamsDirected by Russell HarvardProducer by Clint Sadler

Kasey Smith, Jonathan Ford, Alex Maddux and Christian Escamilla.

Amy Johnson.

The Cast and Crew of Wizard of Oz.

Shawna Duncan, Monet James, Brandi Prater, Valeria Fuentes, Adan Nunez, Maggie Kopp, Darby Layton and Jasilyn Williams.

Daniella Reyna, Shawna Duncan and Adan Nunez.

By Anne Adams

The TSD Foundation held its fifth annual fundrais-ing gala, The Diamond Event, on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at the Hilton Austin. This year’s theme was

“Boots and Bling.” Two hundred guests decked out in their finest “Austin Cool” attire, complete with cowboy boots and diamonds, enjoyed an evening of exquisite dining and excit-ing entertainment. The evening got underway with a VIP reception honoring the sponsors of the event. The guests went on to the main ballroom to indulge in four gourmet, wine-paired courses that were specially prepared by the dia-mond chef of the Hilton, Mark Dayanandan, along with students from the Culinary Arts Program at TSD.

The event was emceed by Paul Brown, anchor of YNN News Austin. Guests were welcomed by TSDF board president, Danny Lacey, followed by a presentation of the courses by the culinary students and their instructor, Lori Taylor. Jon Wolf, from Ste Michelle Wine Estates, described the won-derful wine pairings. Guests then enjoyed the delicious four-course meal. During the meal the program continued with a presentation by Claire Bugen to Saleem Assaf and the Bet-ter Hearing Center for the of the 2011 TSD Partner of the Year Award . In addition to the great food, guests had the opportunity to bid on a variety of trips and unique Austin and Hill Country area experiences and items in the silent

auction. A special opportunity to donate to specific school ini-tiatives through a “Paddles Up” promotion was held while dessert was being served. The evening concluded with music, dancing and interpretive signing provided by Lotusign.

The evening was a fabulous suc-cess; it was thoroughly enjoyed by all and brought in over $65,000 for the Foundation and the school. TSD Student, Alton Markel.

Culinary Class: Front: Marissa King, Mireyda Bustos, Marti Lail, David Hornsby and Alton Markel. Back: Lori Taylor, Modesto Rodriguez, Emily Oberrender, Jamie Utzman, Amanda Wolf, Akeem Guidry, Ameila Hamilton, Daniella Reyna, Ryan Poindexter, Shawna Duncan and Cody Cummings.

Ryan Poindexter.

Master of Ceremony, Paul Brown, Anchor YNN News Austin

Live Auction conducted by Jack Busenbark and Claire Bugen.

5th Annual Diamond Event “Boots and Bling”


By Keena Miller

On May 19, The Texas School for the Deaf proudly named The Better Hearing Center of

Austin its 2011 Partner of the Year.

At the school’s annual Diamond Event fundraising gala, Saleem Assaf, Clini-cian at The Better Hearing Center of Austin, accepted the honor from TSD Superintendent Claire Bugen in rec-ognition of the Center’s scholarship program that has provided seventeen hearing instruments to deaf and hard of hearing students over the last 3 years, with a total retail value of over $40,000.00 – donations given directly to assist TSD students.

Assaf started The Better Hearing Schol-arship at the Center in 2008 to pro-vide hearing instruments to students at the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD). When Assaf first approached the school to get involved in the hearing aid pro-gram, he was surprised that no program already existed. “I couldn’t believe that other dispensers were not doing this, not helping out,” Assaf said.

Many students at TSD have vary-ing degrees of hearing levels. And As-

saf knows, even if profoundly hard of hearing, a child may benefit a great deal from a good, strong hearing instrument to detect sound. “While a hearing aid might not help a student understand words,” he says, “the instrument can still provide valuable amplification so students can be more aware of their sur-roundings for basic peace of mind and safety.”

When patients who get new hearing aids at the Better Hearing Center elect to contribute to the scholarship fund, the Center matches donations made between $25-$50. When enough funds are available to purchase a hearing aid, Assaf contacts TSD’s audiologists who determine which students will benefit the most. A single instrument can retail for up to $3,000. The Better Hearing Center is able to purchase the hearing aids at their cost for a significant sav-ings, and the donated hearing aid be-comes the student’s property.

TSD Audiologist, Cristie Jones, says, “This scholarship program is a great as-set for students at TSD. Through their generosity, Assaf and the Center are making personal amplification available to students who do not have their own aids and may have previously had to

rely on loaners-which are often not per-fectly fitted for them. Having hearing aids to call their own gives them great pride and teaches them to be responsi-ble and properly care for them.” Not to mention the transformation that often happens when a child hears something for the very first time. Jones and Assaf agree that the real reward is seeing the students react and excel with the new instruments.

When patients visit the Center, they see the information about contributing to the scholarship, with photos and thank you notes displayed from students who have benefited. “And now,” Assaf says, “they will see the TSD Partner of the Year Award prominently displayed too, which we are very proud to show off.”

At the Better Hearing Center, Assaf and his patients enjoy helping students at TSD to live better with better hear-ing. “We’ve had a very positive response from our clients about the scholarship program,” says Assaf, “so I know this is the right thing to do.” The Center provides a full range of hearing health-care services from ear examinations and cleaning to speech understanding as-sessments and hearing tests.

Better Hearing Center of Austin Is Texas School for the Deaf’s 2011 Partner of the Year


By Claire Bugen

The Class of 2011 celebrated commence-ment under typical scorching summer skies on a day that seemed perfect to be-

gin a new chapter in their lives.

The festivities began with the Senior-Parent buf-fet where each graduate received recognition from his or her legislator including some historic memorabilia and an occasional personal appear-ance. Parents, seniors and their families thrilled to the traditional Senior Video montage, a gift prepared for seniors by TSD that documents their senior year. As is typical of this presenta-tion, there is rarely a dry eye in the house. As a post-script to this we had a group of students do the TSD version of a “flash mob” accompanied by Beyonce’s “Move Your Body”.

Our ceremonies opened with a stunning ASL performance of the National Anthem followed by the Class of 2023 (recent Kindergarten grad-uates) presenting the TSD School Song.

Our Superintendent then addressed the gradu-ates, families and staff and reminded them to

continue dreaming big. She described the class as dreamers and doers and she encouraged them all to become dreamers who do!

Our Salutatorian, Ashlee Lambert, addressed her classmates and asked them to believe in them-selves and to make a difference. Her speech was followed by a live signed and dance performance of Kelly Clarkson’s song “Thankful”. Valedic-torian Christian Escamilla described her class-mates as U.N.I.Q.U.E. (U meaning each of you, N-notable, I—inexplicable, Q—quirky, U-unusual, and last E—exceptional. She closed her speech with a challenge to remember the word, UNIQUE. “We are one all together…but each in unique ways.” TSD is indeed a unique school providing its students unique opportunities.

Commencement speaker, Dr. Chris Moreland, with a tough act to follow, did just that. He inspired our students to set their goals high and work hard to achieve them—a message he knows first hand as a Deaf physician with a distinguished career in internal medicine and teaching at the UT Health Science Center in San Antonio.

Graduation Class of 2011Valedictorian Christian Escamilla TSD Graduates Commencement speaker, Dr. Chris Moreland

Sights and Sounds of Commencement 2011


In a tribute like no other, Valedictorian Christian Esca-milla presented a student directed, edited and produced music video both pre-recorded and live titled “Firework” by Katy Perry to an adoring audience of fans. Christian brought the house down as she belted out in sign “Baby you’re a firework, come on let your colors burst…”

And so it goes—the end of one journey, the commencing of another, the sending off of young people, young men and women filled with wisdom and formed in a commu-nity filled with love.

Graduation Class of 2011

Salutatorian, Ashlee Lambert

Commencement speaker, Dr. Chris Moreland

The School Song was performed by the Class of 2023: Violet Garberoglio, Trent Gobble, Maxwell Harris, Carson Laird, Logan Neziri, Rebekah Pena, Augustus Polk, Gunnar Reins, Kaila Rosko, Tobie Thompson, Jory Valencia & Alfonso White. Pictured are Jory Valencia (front) and Logan Neziri.

Honorary guests: (Front row) Claire Bugen, Sean Virnig, Dr. Chris Moreland and Walt Camenisch. (Back row) Connie Sefcik-Kennedy, Shalia Cowan, Angie Wolf and Susan Ridley.

Class of 2011

Sights and Sounds of Commencement 2011


Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2011

Cathy Ayala

Randi Morgan

David Hornsby

Joe Alvarado Brenda Aragon

John Martinez

Bambi Sifuentes

Andrew Duncan

Tyler Stone

Denzell Hughes

Miguel Trammell

Eric NormandAmanda Mitchell

Brayden Culwell

Alma Martinez Lillyana Padilla

Mireyda Bustos

Marivel Holguin

Irene Barron

Bobby Spisak

James Birdwell

Kasey Smith

Deepa Bondada

Dakota Halliburton Cody KornkvenAustin Hill

Christian EscamillaTerisha Brodersen Rodolfo Coronado

Eric Sermeno

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2011

Domanique Penny

Akeem Guidry

Ricardo Lopes

Jelissa GravesDerrick Gamble Ernesto Garcia

Gabriel Trujillo Kyle Winter

Joe Quintanilla

Shamari Wilson

Jessenia Gonzalez

Jesse Trocino J’Nay Washington

Ryan Poindexter

Cameron Luke

Joshua Eziashi

Alex Maddux

Andres Perez Mickey Saenz

Cordie Lindsey Joshua Longria

Michael Bonner

Cartille Wade

Ashlee Lambert

Taylor Payne

By Nick Bannon

Many fitness-related events have taken place at TSD throughout the year to pro-

mote healthy and fit lifestyles for all in the TSD and Austin community. This in thanks to the Texas School for the Deaf School Health Advisory Commit-tee and Nick Bannon, TSD Curriculum Specialist/Wellness Coordinator. The purpose of TSD hosting these events is so that any child or adult can have the opportunity to pursue physical fitness, regardless of ability. These events also present each student the chance to have a shared fitness experience with their family members, teachers, coaches, and even their principals. This is an effort to educate us all that fitness is as equally important as nutrition, rest, and learn-ing.

The latest research and best practices at schools all across the country advocate for students and their families to be as healthy as they can be. When a student is healthy, academic and testing perfor-mance is enhanced. A healthy, function-ing brain results from eating healthy foods, exercising daily, and feeling good about oneself. As required by the Texas Education Agency, public schools in Texas are required to test students’ fit-ness levels in grades, 3-12, using the FitnessGram Test. The test has six mea-sures of fitness: cardiovascular endur-ance, muscular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and body composi-tion or percentage of fat and muscle the body has.

In 2002, The California Department of Education conducted a study of nearly one million 5th, 7th, and 9th graders, comparing their fitness scores along with each students Math and Reading SAT scores to discover that those stu-dents who achieved the Healthy Fitness Zone in 6 out of 6 areas of the Fitness-Gram Test performed better in Math and Reading SAT scores than those who achieved 5 out of 6 areas. Those who achieved 5 out of 6 areas on the Fitness-Gram did better than those who pass 4 out of 6, 4 did better than 3, 3 did bet-ter than 2, and 2 did better than 1. This is evidence that the healthier and more physically fit the student, the more like-ly that their brains are functioning bet-ter than if they were less physically fit.

TSD has created further opportunities for students to participate in fitness so that they can achieve optimal levels of fitness, therefore those who participate and/or pursue fitness on a daily basis, will have increased their brain function and learning capacity. They will have also achieved a greater state of overall

wellness and health. Again, everyone is welcome to improve their health and wellness levels through these year-round fitness events:

The Ranger Triathlon - April/May

Established in April of 2008, the 4th Annual Ranger Triathlon which oc-curred on May 15th this year, saw near-ly 200 participants, ranging from TSD students, parents, and staff to commu-nity members, ages 4-75. The Ranger Triathlon involves lifetime cardiovascu-lar fitness sports: swimming, bicycling, and running. The swim leg ranges from 100-150 yards (4-6 pool lengths), fol-lowed by bicycling 2-5 miles, and cul-minating with a 1/2 mile, 1 mile, or 2 mile run depending on age. The time it takes to complete the Ranger Triathlon ranges from 25 minutes to 75 minutes. Note that the faster finishing times are due to the younger children having shorter distances in comparison to the older age groups (40-75 minutes).

Participants will begin in the TSD Swimming Pool for a 4 to 6 lap swim, then will run from the pool to the soft-ball field to what is known as the Transi-tion Area, which is where the triathletes will get their bikes. After walking their bikes from the Transition Area to the campus road, they hop on to bike 2 or 5 times around the campus road. The younger participants, ages 5-10, will bike 2 times around on the campus road. The older participants, ages 11 and up, will bike 5 times around on the campus road. And last, after parking their bikes in the Transition Area, the

Join TSD’s Year-Round Fitness Events, Open to All!!!

Improving Fitness and Health at TSD

Cody McCasland, participates in the Ranger Triathlon.(Photo by Ralph Barrera, Austin American-Statesman)


participants will then embark on a 1K run on the TSD track, or on a 1-2 mile run that meanders the TSD campus in-cluding running past the school’s tower clock, running on the campus mall, passing the TSD Museum, Auditorium, and Deaf Smith Center buildings, and then finishing with a victory lap around the TSD Track. All participants receive a finisher’s medal and if 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in their age group, then they also receive a special Ranger Triathlon trophy.

The Ranger Stampede 5K Run and Walk - Aug through May

The Ranger Stampede 5K, a once-a-month, 10-month race series, just com-pleted its third season this past May and will resume again in August 2011 for another 10 races until May 2012. Like the Ranger Triathlon, this event is also an opportunity for all TSD students,

parents, and staff including members of the Austin and surrounding local com-munities to pursue fitness on a year-round basis. The nice thing about this event being held once a month for 10 months is that participants can compare their 5K walk or run times from the pre-ceding months, to mark improvements in times. In other words, as your time improves, you know that your fitness has improved. This can be truly moti-vating as well as experiencing the feel-ing of success and accomplishment that you are, in fact, getting healthier and more physically fit. An increase of self-confidence just about always accom-panies the feeling of accomplishment. Feelings of greater self-confidence and accomplishment also enable us to feel better about ourselves, which, in turn, will have a greater impact on how our brains function and thus perform bet-

ter, academically, in school and feeling better about taking on life’s challenges. This, along with improving one’s health and fitness, is the primary reason for the Ranger Stampede 5K. It is also an op-portunity to celebrate fitness with fam-ily members and teachers.

The 5K run/walk has its participants go-ing twice around the TSD track, twice around the TSD campus road, and then one more time around the TSD Track before finishing. The Ranger Stampede 5K also has a one-mile run, going four times around the track, for the younger children or those who are just returning to pursuing fitness, as well as for those HS track stars who want another op-portunity to set a new 1 mile personal record. The event averages 30-100 par-ticipants each month, including volun-teers and spectators.

53.43

58.74 58.28

65.67

70.94

83.18

46.7149.45

55.6458.93

62.90

73.86

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

1 2 3 4 5 6

2009Grades6‐12SAT10andPhysicalFitness

MathScore

ReadingScore

14.2716.95

21.75

30.27

40.12

46.11

53.43

58.74 58.28

65.67

70.94

83.18

46.7149.45

55.64

58.93

62.90

73.86

0.00

10.00

20.00

30.00

40.00

50.00

60.00

70.00

80.00

90.00

100.00

1 2 3 4 5 6

2009Grades6‐12CardiovascularEndurance(ShowninOrange)

andPhysicalFitness

TSD decided to replicate the California Fitness Study to find out if the same results occurred. And sure enough, the same results were found. Research has also shown that of the six areas of fitness, the greatest indicator of optimal brain function, is the level of a person’s cardiovascular endurance (i.e. running, swimming, cycling for longer periods of time, 30 minutes or greater). This also holds true for TSD students, grades 3-12, see chart above, which shows that the higher level of cardiovascular endurance a student has, the better that they will do on the SAT Math and Reading Test.

Our youngest Ranger Triathlon 2010 participant was 5 years old (Photo by Ralph Barrera, Austin American-Statesman).

Leo Manzano with TSD students Mia Upchurch, Joe Cardenas, Alyssa and Ty Glennon


Come and challenge yourself by doing all 10 Ranger Stampede 5K events dur-ing the upcoming 2011-2012 school year or to just one or two. The event is free to any student, age 21 and under. There is a minimal $2 cost to those ages 22 and older, to cover the cost of post-race drink and snacks. Remaining funds benefit the TSD PE Program.

Manzano Mile - April

Another related fitness event was the first (April 2011) Manzano Mile, which was hosted by current USA Olympic Team and former UT Longhorn track and field star, Leo Manzano, who competes in the 800m, 1500m, and 1600m track events. The Manzano Mile is strictly a 1-mile run, running 4 times around the TSD track and is open to any age and any ability level. Participants compete against others of the same age group. Participants can also compete in the 1- mile relay, in which there are 4 mem-bers to a relay team (includes mixed ages, male and female) and each team member runs one time around the track or 400m before handing off the baton to the next team member. At the Man-zano Mile, each participant had the op-portunity to meet Leo Manzano and ask him for running tips or about his experiences being in the Beijing Olym-pic Games or about his participation in the up and coming London Olympic Games in 2012. Come meet Leo Man-zano at the next Manzano Mile at TSD in April 2012.

JV Triathlon - June

The Ranger Triathlon is one of the triathlons in the 1379 Triathlon Se-ries. The 1379 Family Sports Store, is owned by Lindsay Rosenthal, formerly a Notre Dame volleyball team captain, whose jersey number was 13, and her husband, Mike Rosenthal, who was #79 on the Notre Dame football team – the number 1379 in their store titile. Mike later played in the NFL for the Giants, Vikings, and Dolphins. The Rosenthals have graciously sponsored the Ranger Triathlon and the other three kids triathlons in the series over the past 3 years. One of the other series triathlons is the JV Triathlon for kids and adults, which just took place at TSD on June 19, 2011. It gives participants the op-portunity to compare their times from the Ranger Triathlon and the JV Tri-athlon since the exact same tri course is used. Look for this event again in early June of 2012.

The Sammy Oates, Sr. Memorial Swim (Fall/Winter tentative)

Judi Oates and Nick Bannon are cur-rently considering creating the Sammy Oates, Sr. Memorial Swim as a yearly memorial swim in remembrance of a great athlete who played football, bas-ketball, and was a track and field ath-lete, and swimmer at TSD. Sammy Oates continued to swim until the months before he passed away in the Fall of 2010. His daughter just made a return to swimming by participating

in the Capital 2K open water swim in Town Lake this past spring in honor of her father. The event was held in mem-ory of Sammy Oates, Sr. by Sandy Bell, a former USA Olympic gold medalist in the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, and

her husband, Keith Bell, who are both still swimming well into the 60’s. Both are close friends of Sammy Oates, Sr. and his family. Look for this new event this upcoming fall/winter. Swimmers may choose to swim any of the follow-ing distances: 50m, 200m, 1/2 mile, or 1 mile.

Come and participate in any of these wonderful fitness events with your son, daughter, mother, father, teacher, coach, principal or superintendent!

Look for information this Fall on these events through parent mailouts, the TSD website, and event flyers given to each student to take home every Friday. Stay Fit and Healthy at TSD!

Group picture with Leo Manzano after his meeting and conversation with TSD Track Athletes.

Sammy came to talk with TSD swimmers in the Spring of 2011 and even demonstrated all swimming strokes to students.


By Keena Miller

On March 31st, The Austin Chapter of Service to Mankind (SERTOMA) rec-ognized middle school students at the

Texas School for the Deaf as part of Sertoma’s National Heritage Freedom & Democracy Pro-gram. Chartered by SERTOMA International, the Austin Sertoma Club sponsors the annual competition for TSD middle school students, and kicks things off during United States Free-dom Week each February.

Following a tour of the Texas State Capitol and lunch in the Capitol Grill hosted by the Aus-tin Sertoma Club, students were tasked with presenting to the club “Why I’m Proud to be

an American”. Each student developed a poster submitted along with a written essay and gave a formal presentation to club committee members for judging.

First and second place winners received digital cameras, and all students were recognized with a commemorative Capitol of Texas patch for par-ticipating.

Austin Sertomans have provided support and sponsorships to individuals and groups in the Austin community since 1963, and has worked with TSD for more than 30 years, sponsoring projects like this and providing scholarships and assistance to deaf and hard of hearing students in Texas.

TSD Middle-schoolers participated in Austin Sertoma’s 2011 National Heritage contest.Front (L-R) Ketsi Simon (Austin), Brendan Pena (Austin), Marco Lopez (San Antonio), Tommy Nouthavykoun (Ft.Worth), Kiara Faught (Friendswood), Keena Miller-Austin Sertoma.Back (L-R) Leslie Hussey-TSD Language Arts teacher, Harry Pokorny-Austin Sertoma, Jesse Martinez-1st Place (Austin), Justin Akers-2nd Place (Waco), David Hernandez (Jacksonville), Chuck Banks-Austin Sertoma.

Left: First Place 2011 National Heritage winner, Jesse

Martinez. Pictured with Harry Pokorny (L) and Checuk

Banks (R) of Austin Sertoma.

Second Place 2011 National Heritage winner, Justin Akers

of Waco is congratulated by Austin Sertoma members.

Austin Sertoma Presents National Heritage Awards to Texas School for the Deaf Middle Schoolers


Other Springat TSD

Story from Community Impact Newspapers by Samantha Bryan

Soncee Dever stood on the tarmac of the George-town Municipal Airport, gazing up at the cloudy sky and trying to catch a glimpse of sunlight.

It was about noon May 21, and 13-year-old Dever was waiting for the cloud cover to lift so she and about 20 other children from the Texas School for the Deaf could go on airplane rides with nonprofit group Flying Vikings.

Dever signed to her mother, Jennifer, that she was scared when asked how she felt about going on her first-ever airplane ride, but she persisted in waiting more than three hours for the clouds to lift.

Paul Hansen founded Flying Vikings in 2002 and moved his headquarters to Georgetown in 2010 to Pilot’s Choice Aviation. Pilots donate their time and use of their airplanes to give dis-abled and chronically ill children 20- to 30-min-ute airplane rides, and Hansen holds fundraisers to pay for fuel and upkeep on the airplanes.

Not only do the children get to fly, but they also take control of the airplane for a short period of time. Hansen said the opportunity to pilot a plane gives children a sense of confidence and control.

“It’s very rare that someone that age can say ‘Oh, I’m going to go up and fly a plane today,’” Han-sen said.

Above the Clouds!

The Austin Police Department Landed at TSD!!!

On May 4th during our Ranger Day festivities the Austin Police Department helicopter and the Travis County Sheriff visited TSD for the surprise and amusement of all the students. Kudos to Trish Grooms who made all the arrangements. Pictured are the students from Pre-School.

What brings three generations of TSD students together on a steamy afternoon in May? What else but the Kindergarten graduation

of their beloved grandchildren and children respectfully. Pictured above from left to right are Sara Stanley Harris (Class of 1965), daughter Rachel Harris (Class of 1987), grandson and son Max Harris (Class of 2023) granddaughter and daughter Violet Garberoglio, Carrie Lou Camenisch Garberoglio (Class of 1997) and Franna Corley Camenisch (Class of 1965).


Springat TSDBy David Coco

The Discovery Retreat: Discover Your Uni-verse weekend retreat was hosted by the Ed-

ucational Resource Center on Deafness at Peace-able Kingdom near Killeen for 29 deaf and hard of hearing students from around Texas. The theme for this retreat was “Space” and the activi-ties focused on astronauts, rockets, space science, and astronomy. Students built and launched their own rockets and learned how to identify constellations in the night sky along participat-ing in a variety of other space related activities. They also had the opportunity to meet deaf adults who have worked on space related proj-ects in their careers.

One of the highlights of the weekend was view-ing a series of videos of Tracy Caldwell Dyson, an astronaut who recently gave TSD students a video tour of the International Space Station using sign language. The Discovery Retreat students also met with representatives from Gallaudet and NTID to discuss post-secondary educational opportunities.

April 2011: Discovery Retreat


H O M E O F T H E

By Chris Hamilton

More than 100 athletes, coaches, families and supporters attended the annual TSD Rangers High School Sports Banquet

held on Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 at the TSD cafeteria. Athletes from the Varsity and Junior Var-sity sports throughout the year were recognized for their athletic accomplishments.

This year the Athletic Department decided to do away with a guest speaker and honor senior athletes instead. The senior athletes meeting the criteria were given a plaque with the number of years dedi-cated to the sports they played during their high school years.

It was a memorable night as many student-athletes got together to celebrate in an atmosphere of true camaraderie and Ranger spirit.

2010-2011 Sports BanquetHigh School Awards

FallFootballOffensive Player of the Year Austin HillDefensive Player of the Year Akeem GuidryJV FootballOffense Player of the Year Carlton MooreDefense Player of the Year Cameron MumphreyVolleyballMost Outstanding Player Kylene EtkieMost Outstanding Player Emma CrawfordMost Improved Player Alyssa CastroCoach Award Marisa KingJV VolleyballCoach’s Award Martika GiaconaCoach’s Award Erin LambertCheerleadingFallAll Around Cheerleader Marivel HolguinMost Spirited Cheerleader Daniella ReynaMost Improved Cheerleader Rigoberto VieyraWinter Most Spirited Cheerleader (Medal) Sylvia Gondowicz Marisa King Conner Miers Daniella Reyna Rigoberto Vieyra

WinterBoys BasketballMost Valuable Player Gabriel TrujilloMost Valuable Player Austin HillMost Dedicated Player Jonathan FordCoach’s Award Ricardo LopesJV Boys BasketballMost Outstanding Player Chad CummingsMost Outstanding Player Zack YoungGirls BasketballMost Valuable Player Kylene EtkieCoach’s Award Erin Lambert

All the awards lined up.

Ranger Coaches.


SwimMost Valuable Swimmer Jose ManriqueCoach’s Award Nicholas BarronMost Valuable Swimmer Amy JohnsonCoach’s Award Page VaughanWrestlingMost Valuable Wrestler Joshua EziashiMost Valuable Wrestler Omar Valdovinos

SpringBoys TrackMost Valuable Trackster Jonathan FordMost Outstanding Trackster Austin HillMost Dedicated Trackster Oscar RodriguezGirls TrackMost Valuable Trackster Jasilyn WilliamsMost Improved Trackster Kylene EtkieSoftballMost Valuable Player Erin LambertMost Outstanding Player Ashlee LambertMost Improved Player Amanda WolfTennisMost Valuable Player Domanique PennyMost Dedicated Player Adrian San MiguelGolfMost Dedicated Golfer (Medal) Brandon Henry Dallas Parker Paul Soechting

Special AwardsManager of the Year (female): Jessenia GonzalezManager of the Year (female): Marti LailSportsmanship Award (female): Mireyda BustosSportsmanship Award (male): Ricardo LopesRanger Pride Award (female): Brandi PraterRanger Pride Award (male): Jose ManriqueWeightlifter of the Year (female): Marisa KingWeightlifter of the Year (male): Luis HuertaRookie of the Year (female): Erin Lambert/Kylene EtkieRookie of the Year (male): Cameron MumphreyAthlete of the Year (female): Jasilyn WilliamsScholar-Athlete of the Year (female): Marisa KingAthlete of the Year (male): Austin HillScholar-Athlete of the Year (male): Jonathan Ford

Jonathan Ford receives his award from Sean Virnig.

Austin Hill and Jasilyn Williams with Claire Bugen.

Erin Lambert, Kylene Etkie and Cameron Mumphrey with Russell O. West.

Jose Manrique and Brandi Prater with John Serrano.


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