ISSN 075-1539
Volume 142 Number 2
The Illinois Fall 2008
ADVANCE
SPECIAL FEATURE
ELEMENTARY NEWS
JUNIOR HIGH JOURNAL
HIGH SCHOOL HERALD
CAREER AND TECHNICAL TIMES
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
SPORTS SHORTS
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
The Illinois
Governor
ADVANCE
Pat Quinn
Department of Human Services
ISSN 075-1539
Division of Rehabilitation Services
VOLUME 142 NUMBER 2 Robert F. Kilbury, Rh.D., Director
Fall 2008
EDITOR ILLINOIS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF
Christine Good, Principal of Career Marybeth Lauderdale, MA, Superintendent
and Technical Education Center
Designed and Printed by: Illinois School for the Deaf
vocational instructor Dennis Daniel
Founded in 1839 and located on a beautiful 50-acre campus
The Illinois Advance serves as a in Jacksonville, Illinois School For Deaf (ISD) is a state-
means of communicating school news to supported school for the education of children who are deaf
friends, alumni, parents, staff, and sister and hard of hearing. The school is operated by the Illinois
schools in the United States and abroad. Department of Human Services.
Four issues are published annually by: The educational program of the school is recognized by
the Illinois State Board of Education and is accredited by the
North Central Association (NCA) and the Conference of
Illinois School for the Deaf
Educational Administrators for Schools and Programs for the
125 S. Webster Ave.
Deaf (CEASD). Comprehensive programming includes 0-3,
Jacksonville, IL 62650 preschool, elementary, junior high, and high school levels. A
WEB SITE: www.morgan.k12.il.us/isd college preparatory curriculum and an extensive career/
technology program are emphasized in the upper grades.
Residential facilities are available for students living 25 or
more miles from ISD. Children living in Jacksonville and the
surrounding area may attend as day students.
Accessible communication in a bilingual community
Table of Contents in which people who are deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing
learn and work together without communication barriers
Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 reflects the philosophy of the Illinois School for the Deaf.
Extracurricular activities, including scouting and a full
Elementary News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3 athletic and recreation program, are available to all children.
The school is a member of the Illinois High School Association
Junior High Journal . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5 and the Illinois Elementary School Association.
The mission of the Illinois School for the Deaf is to educate
High School Herald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 students who are deaf or hard of hearing to be responsible,
self-supporting citizens.
Career and Technical Times . . . . . . . . 8 The purpose of the educational program is to instruct
students to achieve their highest academic and social potential
through the instructional, residential, and recreational
For Your Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
programs and related support services. Individualized
Education Programs (I.E.P.s) with instructional goals and
Sports Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11 objectives for each student are developed annually.
Appropriate social development and independent
Superintendent’s Message . . . . . . . . 12 living skills are encouraged through participation in
extracurricular and recreational activities.
The junior high students and staff pose for a School is in continuous session, except for scheduled
picture outside the opening to the Tom Sawyer vacations, from the fourth week of August through the last
Cave. week of May.
Enrollment information may be obtained by writing to the
superintendent.
Special Feature
Present With Pride
We recently held our marathon IEP days. Elementary communicated that intention. This is an example of the
School Principal Sue Brosmith coined the phrase, “Present administrative transparency that we are working to
With Pride” in her notes to her teachers, and Career achieve. We also used LCD projectors and computers in
Technical Principal Christine Good echoed that in her each room, plus conference phones and video phones. The
weekly “Principal’s Goodies” newsletter - I, too, am copying IT staff was at the ready at every turn, before, during, and
it - it’s a great slogan. Our staff and students did just that after the conferences. We had sign language interpreters
during the IEPs last week; they presented what we do and and Spanish translators, scheduled by Ed Hoyt. All in all,
what we plan to do with pride. it was quite a production.
A new approach this year was making the IEPs Thanks to Evaluation Center Director Kathryn Surbeck
“Transition-Driven,” meaning that the entire IEP focuses on and Office Coordinator Karen Garrett for countless hours
the student’s future life’s goals. This change makes the IEP of planning to make the IEP days and meetings successful.
more real-life centered. We also had input from the dorm Kathryn sent out an all staff email thanking everyone who
staff, which is important because while the students are had a hand in the success of the IEP days, and it truly was
in school for six hours a day, they are in the dorm for the ALL STAFF! IEP days are a time of concentrated effort in
other 18! The boarding component and twenty-four hour which everyone at ISD takes ownership and pride, and it
accessible communication environment are what make ISD shows. Thanks to all of you who helped make these days
truly unique in comparison with other possible placements and meetings so successful.
our students might have. All of the IEPs were not easy, but
they were productive.
Something else new this year was the Skyward IEP
Why Skyward?
system. Fortunately, staff are already familiar with
l 1 student database
computerized IEPs, and Lana Shea has led us through
many trainings in both systems. In addition, we had a team l $6,000 vs. $600
of educators last year who Beta tested the Skyward
l ISBE
system, making countless notes and suggestions for
revisions, so that this year it would be functional and l 1 location
manageable for all staff. Thanks to Lana, and also to
l Straightforward
Kacy Kitner, Kathy Hughes, Barb Ward, and Sherry
Input
Humphries for doing all of that prep work so we could roll
it out this year! l Progress Reports
l Goals and Objectives
l SAT scores
Technology was a huge part of the IEPs - the new Skyward
software, which was a planned change - when we invested
in the previous software we did so with the
understanding that when Skyward developed the Illinois CTE principal Christine Good demonstrates the IEP
version, we would switch over, and we continuously process in Skyward.
The Illinois
ADVANCE 1 Fall 2008
Elementary News
Homecoming
Chandler Sexton-Ruiz and Lulu Whitworth-Roberts (left) were the crown bearers for 2008.
Waiting in the wings (right) to perform at the homecoming pep rally are Esperanza Garcia, Shavon
Tate, Trashauna Tate, Alain Aguilar, Kylie Berninger and Daysha Williams.
Veterans Day
During the November PBIS activity, students
Participating in the Fall YMCA Football League are:
created cards to send to Chuck Black who
1st row: Brandon Musser, Shavon Tate, Trashauna Tate,
Lillie Brown tosses a beanbag to is on deployment in Iraq. He distributed them
Jennida Willoughby and Chandler Sexton-Ruiz
complete a requirement for her Brownie to other soldiers in his unit. Lulu Whitworth-
2nd row: Coach Dramin, Joel Dramin, Thomas
badge. Trashauna Tate, Jennida Roberts is shown with one of the cards she
Williamson, Sivan Filippone, Dajour Wallace, Shannon
Willoughby and Esperanza Garcia made.
McNeal and Coach Kuhn.
await their turns.
Halloween
MacMurray students presented a Fall Festival
for the Elementary School. Fun was had by all.
Alain Aguilar squeaks Ms. Simeone’s
Gabe Deluna, Mrs.Veith, Clark Hamilton, Kylie nose. Jena Stubbe, Mrs. Cisne, and
Berninger, Knikee Murdock and Principal Brosmith Alain Aguilar
The Illinois
ADVANCE 2 Fall 2008
Elementary News
Election
The 5th graders set a mock election on November 4, 2008. Barack Lunch with a Cop
Obama was chosen by the majority of students. Mrs. Ward and Elementary School, in conjunction with the Jacksonville Police
her class are shown with a cardboard replica of President-elect Dept., have a monthly Lunch with a Cop Program. Selected for the
Barak Obama; Jennida Willoughby, Shavon Tate, Lillie Brown, month of September were Gabe Deluna and Joel Dramin.
Thomas Williamson, and Joel Dramin. Below, Chandler Sexton-Ruiz and Shannon McNeal enjoy ice
cream at Dairy Queen in November.
1st Quarter AR Reading Goals
These students met their 1st quarter reading goals:
1st row: Lillie Brown, Trashauna Tate, Shavon Tate, and Thomas Williamson.
2nd row: Dajour Wallace, Brandon Musser, Sivan Filippone, Ariella Dramin,
and Damon Rush. 3rd row: Gabe Deluna, Principal Brosmith, and Daniella
Bernal.
Nestle Student of the October Student of the Month, Knikee
Month Murdock, is shown with Hillary Estes
September Student of the Month, (from Nestle), Ms. Emerson, his mother,
Shavon Tate is shown with her and Ryan Ornstein (from Nestle).
Tiger Friend Rhonda Downs.
1st Quarter Honor Roll
First row: Sivan Filippone, Brandon Musser, Jennida Willoughby,
Trashauna Tate, Lillie Brown and Shavon Tate. Second row: Clark
Hamilton, Joel Dramin, Daysha Williams, Ariella Dramin, Kylie Damon Rush received a certifi- 1st Quarter AR Top Readers
Berninger, Knikee Murdock, and Daniella Bernal. Third row: Gabe cate for being on the “A” Honor Jennida Willoughby, Principal Sue
Deluna, Thomas Williamson and Principal Ms. Brosmith. Roll. Sue Brosmith presented Brosmith and Joel Dramin. These
it to him during an assembly. two students exceeded their AR goal for
the 1st quarter.
The Illinois
ADVANCE 3 Fall 2008
Junior High Journal
September Students of the Week October Students of the Week
Tyrise Edwards - September 8 - 12 Tyrise Edwards - September 29-October 3
She’leatha Mann - September 15 - 19 Patrick Johnson - October 6 - 10
Ricky Hoffman - September 22 - 26 Andrew Nienhouse - October 13 - 17
Travon Tate - October 27 - 31 L-R: Patrick
Student of the Johnson,
Hillary Estes,
Month: Ricky Hoffman Student of the
and Ryan
Month: Patrick Johnson Ornstein from
September
Nestle
(Homecoming Month) Junior High Takes
a Fishing Trip
September 5th: “Clappers & Cookies.” Eligible students
were given a homecoming clapper for the game and cook- On October 10th, we went fishing at Nichols Park
ies to eat as a treat! September 12th, eligible students in Jacksonville. We caught fish at the lake. This was a
participated each hour in ISD trivia. Trivia questions were reward for our good behavior. A lot of the teachers and
read to students at the beginning of each class period. At students from the Jr. HS went. We touched worms and
the end of the day all the students’ answers were collected we ate a lot of cookies (after we washed our hands) at the
and the winners were announced the next day. On Septem- park. We had fun fishing. Many kids caught over 10 fish.
ber 19th, students cut out homecoming decorations and I caught 12 fish. -by Tyler Rush (with help from Mrs.
decorated their lockers during study hall. Then on Septem- Grieme).
ber 25th, each study hall decorated their classroom doors
for homecoming.
7th Graders Head to Chicago
Homecoming Celebrated in On October 23rd the seventh grade class took a field
trip to the Adler Planetarium in Chicago following a unit
the Junior High on space. The students left bright and early at 5 am for
the long drive. At the planetarium, the students visited a
Students and staff celebrated homecoming by hav-
room about rockets,
ing a Spirit Week. They had different dress attire for each
pointing out the
day. Monday was Pajama Day, Tuesday was Wacky Day,
name of the deaf
Wednesday was Favorite Sports Team Day, Thursday was
Russian scientist
Hat Day and Friday was of course Orange & Black Day.
who is the “Father
Another fun activity that
of Rocketry,” exam-
was held was the door
ined items from the
decorating contest. Each
Apollo 13 Mission,
study hall class was
observed constel- Front row L-R: Tyler Albert and Diana Lara
given Monday-Thursday to
lations, and visited Back row L-R: Amber Kelleher, Nicole Hummel,
decorate their classroom
interactive centers Maddie Kotlowitz, and Ali Kramer
door for homecoming.
about each planet. Following a long day at the museum,
Many creative ideas were
the students walked to the edge of Lake Michigan and
shown by all the students.
then boarded the bus for the trip home. It was a very
The winner of the most
productive day!
creative homecoming door
was Mrs. Swift’s study Junk Box Wars!
hall class. Their door’s
theme was “Follow The The winning door.
The 1st Junior High Junk Box Competition was held on
Orange Brick Road.” Friday, October 31. Students worked in teams to build the
The Illinois
ADVANCE 4 Fall 2008
Junior High Journal
longest and strongest chain. Each team was given a box of
“junk” such as rubber bands, string, straws and other items
1st Quarter No Reports Party
to use as building materials. Several students were rewarded for having no GRRR
The students had to plan reports, incident reports, hands-on behavior and/or profan-
the building process and ity during the 1st quarter. These students met the GRRR
then construct the chain. On committee outside the junior high school for a game of
competition day the students baseball. The students who were rewarded were: Cayli
gathered to test each chain. Bateman, Austin Bernal, Jacob Bowen, Xavier Cole-
Mr. Heaton looks on and times a team. The chain was tested with
man, Fabian Delgado, Andrea Derstine, Dwayne
various weights until it either broke or touched the ground. Esper, Liz Fitzgerald, Jamal Garner, Ricky Hoffman,
Teams earned points for length and strength. Congratula- Nikki Hummell, Josiah Hyatt, Patrick Johnson, Yo-
tions to the winning team: Lorenzo Turner, Ricky Hoff- landi Johnson, Abby Jones, Amber Kelleher, Diana
man, and Tracy Lavender! Lara, Tracy Lavender, She’leatha Mann, Nathan
Michard, Victoria Murrell, Andrew Nienhouse, Tyler
Honor Roll Students Honored Rush, Justin Rutledge, Elisa Sanders, Caitlin Sesko
and Kaleb Sleeth.
1st quarter honor roll students (students who earned all
A’s and B’s on their report card) were honored with a break-
fast served by their very own principal, Wendy Daniel. Prin-
Friendship Month in
cipal Daniel brought in a breakfast casserole, rolls, waffles, the Junior High
juice and milk. Students that were honored with breakfast
were: Austin Bernal, Jacob Bowen, Xavier Cole- Our Jr. HS students really showed off their good
man, Ben Dearing, Fabian Delgado, Andrea Derstine, Relationships (the 3rd R in our GRRR behavior support
Dwayne Esper, Jamal Garner, Ricky Hoffman, Josiah program) this November
Hyatt, Amber Kelleher, Diana Lara, She’leatha Mann, for Friendship Month. On
Justin Rutledge, Kaleb Sleeth, and Lorenzo Turner. November 7th, students
paired up and dressed
November Students of the Week as twins. Some students
Diana Lara - November 3 - 7 wore shirts and pants
Lorenzo Turner - November 10 -14 of the same color while
Friends pose for a picture, front L-R:
Justin Rutledge - November 17 -22 Sheleatha Mann, Diana Lara, and Chel- others went so far as to
Ryan sea Schryver style their hair the same.
Ornstein from Back L-R: Nicole Hummell, Amber Kelle- It was a little confusing
Student of the her, Victoria Murrell, Cayli Bateman, Ali
Nestle and
Month: Diana Lara Diana Lara Kramer, and Elizabeth Fitzgerald for the teachers, but
overall a good time!
Then, on November 14th, students struck a pose with
Junior High Picks Obama! their pals. Staff took pictures of these groups of friends
The ISD Junior High held a mock Presidential Election and and then developed a slideshow of the
Barack Obama won easily over John McCain. Students pictures along with quotations from the
in Mr. Heaton’s social studies classes completed a unit students about what friendship means to
on elections. Important points them. It was obvious that our students
covered included voting require- are a “friend”ly bunch! Finally, on No-
ments and Presidential require- vember 21st, students tried their hand at
ments. During the mock election, making friendship bracelets. Each study
students served as judges.They hall class was given some colorful yarn Kaleb Sleeth makes
explained the voting procedures and a mini-lesson on bracelet making. his bracelet.
and helped to count the ballots. After that, everyone tied and tied to make pretty friendship
A big thumbs up!
bracelets to share. The students really made it clear during
The Illinois November that they are a creative, caring, friendly bunch!
ADVANCE 5 Fall 2008
High School Herald
JPD After School Meeting Deaf Awareness Day
Officer Tino Vasquez met with all high school and Deaf Awareness Day, hosted by Nancy Kelly-Jones,
TOPS students after school on Thursday, September 18th was held on Thursday, Sept. 18 in Media Center. This
in the Marshall Gym. School and dorm staff also attended year’s theme focused on Deaf Sports. There were slide-
the assembly. Officer Vasquez works as our liaison to the show presentations each hour. The power point presenta-
Jacksonville Police Department. He spoke to our students tions focused on the beginning of American participation
on a variety of topics including drugs, fighting, battery, in the Deaflympics. Students watched presentations about
bullying, theft and how the Jacksonville Police Department Deaflympics, Dummy Hoy, and Charles Marshall from
would handle a variety of situations. Students then were Joe Vieira, Charles Hicks, Robert Dramin and Nancy
able to ask Officer Vasquez questions. Officer Vasquez Kelly Jones. They spoke of the history and evolution of
periodically checks in with each school department and is Deaflympics and pointed out former ISD staff and students
available to present information to classes as requested. who had participated in Deaflympics. There were also
display tables focusing on specific sports. Several Deaf
adults were present to answer questions or briefly explain
about well known deaf athletes.
Dar Award
Krystal Starks receives the DAR (Daughters of the
American Revolution) Award from teacher Jeannie
Jones.
NTID Visit
On Tuesday, November 18th, Christopher Samp from
the National Technical Institute for the Deaf visited ISD.
Homecoming Fun He gave a presentation about NTID to interested Juniors
and Seniors at the Huddle in the High School Media
Pauline Widurski and Victoria Rainey (above) are dressed as witches
for the “Wizard of Oz” themed homecoming pep rally. Mrs. Stephens and
Center.
Amanda Gean ham it up on Wacky Day.
The Illinois
ADVANCE 6 Fall 2008
High Scool Herald
Sadie Hawkins
During the annual Sadie Hawkins day, the students get involved in the “capture your man and tie one on” event (above) and
afterwards they celebrate the “Wedding Feast”
AR Party and a visit from Abe Lincoln
Jeffrey Brosseau(left) is in costume for the AR party which is for the students that have met or surpassed their reading goals.
Myriam Hussein meets Abe Lincoln after a presentation about Lincoln’s life.
The Illinois
ADVANCE 7 Fall 2008
Career and Technical Times
Radliff Rules!
Mrs. Radliff’s classes show off the results of their efforts. The
two pictures are students with the pillows they designed.
L-R: Jazlin Burgos, Keela Price, Karen Ortega, and
Back Row L-R: Stephanie Taylor, Rachel Sweigart, Katelyn Hartwig, Kelley Bat- Reaunta Johnson
tice, and Rocio Vazquez Front, L-R: Ariana Morgan, Taun Hemmons
Above, baker Dave Jones gets a plate as he starts through
the line at the Thanksgiving lunch. The students who prepared the Thanksgiving lunch, Back Row L-R: Do-
minique Terry, Alondra DeLaRosa, Mrs. Radliff, Sherise Ferguson,
Leticia Campos, Jimmy Holmes
Front Row L-R: Bailee Stephens, Anna Hernandez, Leonor
Reategui, and Janette Browning
CTE hosted an introduc-
tory training for CTE users
and lab aides. The main
focus was the software
SynchronEyes, which allows
teachers to monitor student
computer use on a large
white board in front of the
class.
Mrs. Jeannie Jones and her art students participated in the Regional
Art Show at Lincoln Land Community College in Jacksonville.
Larry Moore
Sub Celebrate returns from
At a sub party, Mr. retirement once
Snyders and students more to teach
celebrate their hard Wood Production
work by feeding their... in CTE. Welcome
Minds? back, Mr. Moore,
we are thrilled
to have you back
with us.
The Illinois
ADVANCE 8 Fall 2008
For Your Information
LEO and qualify as “above and beyond the call of duty.” This is
how we stay strong and fearless - and why students from
On Saturday, November 22, Sheila Stephens, Jill all over Illinois want to come to ISD.
Whitmore and Ms. Lauderdale took four LEO Members to
Springfield to staff an ISD display at the Lions’ Club State Business After Hours
Conference. We left at seven a.m., which was a feat in
itself - teenagers are not known for their affection of the
ISD hosted the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce
early hours on Saturdays! These students were wonder-
ful, giving of their time and their talents for the whole day Business After Hours get together on Thursday, November
without complaint. ISD has the only Deaf LEO Club in the 6th at the Elementary Multi-Purpose room. Business After
world! Hours activities are organized to give a taste of what dif-
LEO stands for Leadership Experience Opportunity, and ferent businesses in the community have to offer. ISD had
our LEOs are very busy here at ISD and in the community. never hosted the Business After Hours before, although ISD
They do service projects and act as big brothers and sisters has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for many
for their “Little Cubs” in our elementary department. At the years. This was an excellent outreach opportunity for ISD.
Lions’ conference, Mary Truitt, Trustee from Area 1-L came The Jacksonville community does not often have a chance
up to Ms. Lauderdale and said she’d convinced her club to
to visit our campus, except for sports events. Jill Whit-
give a sizeable donation from the Lions’ Foundation to our
Foundation for Deaf Children (IFDC), in celebration of the more helped organize the event, with the planning commit-
Lions’ Foundation’s 35th birthday, and they were challeng- tee of Marcia Breese, Carolyn Eilering, and Ed Hoyt.
ing other chapters to do the same. ISD Lions very fortunate
to be there on that day!
Another “bonus” that week was the ASL movie, “The
Mountain Man” sponsored by IFDC, shown at the McGaw
Auditorium at Illinois College on Sunday, November 23.
The show was sold out! It was great to have a local Deaf
cultural event so close to home, and great for our students
to see a feature film that showcased Deaf actors, directors,
producers and writers.
Still another extra was the movie “Twilight.” This book
and movie is all the rage among teens, currently. On
Friday night, November 21, high school teachers Allison
Fraas, Nicole Frye, Allison Guidish, and Mary Lou
Lael took seven students who had read the book to see the
movie premier! They all had a great time seeing their book
come to life! LaBrae Lett ,Jeff Blazek, and Marcos Rodriguez,
giving a deaf experience presentation
These are just a few examples of the many
opportunities our students enjoy, in a fully accessible
Participants were invited to be “Deaf for a Day”
environment. Obviously all of these and many more
opportunities for the students are carried out after hours; learning different things specific to Deafness; such as signs,
speechreading, appropriate ways of attention-getting, and
what a spelling test sounds like when you have a hearing
loss. Many students and staff volunteered at the these
booths, which were all set up with technology. It was
definitely an ISD community effort. A large poster with
pictures showing different jobs on campus, courtesy of
Dan Snyders and his class, was the first thing participants
saw as they registered. This helped show participants how
important ISD is to the Jacksonville community and to the
Chamber. Tours of the ISD campus were provided by staff
and students, as well. We look forward to taking a turn
Lilly Zarco, Danny Carrasco, Amanda Gean, Chris Cannon (back), and
Jill Whitmore pose for a picture. hosting another Business After Hours next year!
The Illinois
ADVANCE 9 Fall 2008
Sports Shorts
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
The 2008 high school football team
Nick Maras, Francisco Mora, Marcos Rodriguez,
FOOTBALL Mark Samorian, and Lee Taylor. Lee Taylor also earned
the WIVC Sportsmanship Award. The Tigers were coached
Football players arrived on campus for early camp on by Charles Hicks, Chris Kuhn, Dave Cook, Ed Hoyt,
August 13 to start their season. Although our varsity Curt Kuhn, and Bob Rush.
football team ended their season with a record of 0 wins
and 9 losses, our Tigers had some very respectable games
against some very talented teams. They are involved in the
Western Illinois Valley Conference (WIVC), which means
they have no easy games on their schedule. Although it is
not reflected in the record, I.S.D, played with tremendous
heart and effort. The experience the younger players gained
will pave the way for a brighter future.
The football team will greatly miss the following seniors
next year: Jeff Blazek, Chris Cannon, Pete Kujawa,
Deondra Lord, Nick Maras, Chris Matthews, Oscar Varsity squad Front Row L-R: Katelyn Hartwig, McKenzie Reynolds,
Victoria Covelli, Kelley Battice, Jalissa Sanchez, Krystal Starks, Kara
Mazon, Francisco Mora, Michael Morris, J’Bryson Erickson, Rosalie Gajewski, and Paige Bernal
Owten, Terrence Petty, Marcos Rodriguez, Mark Back row L-R: Rachel Sweigart, Stephanie Taylor, Victoria Rainey
Samorian, Julian Smith, and Lee Taylor. Special award
winners were Michael Morris (Offensive Player of the VOLLEYBALL
Year), Terrence Petty (Defensive Player of the Year), Lee Our volleyball Tigers had a very challenging season,
Taylor and sophomore Adam Bizarro (Coach’s Award), playing against many conference and non-conference
sophomore Dorian Wallace (Most Dedicated Player), opponents. Their season record does not reflect the
and freshman Jimel Wright. The following players were improvement made and effort they gave. The volleyball
named to the WIVC All-Academic Team: Chris Cannon, team is a member of the Western Illinois Valley Confer-
ence, making for a very tough schedule. The Tigers also
A tired and sore Pete competed in the CSSD Volleyball Tournament, which was
Kujawa ices his hosted by Michigan this year and brought home the 2nd
knee near the end of
a game. place trophy.
The volleyball team will greatly miss seniors Kelley
Battice (MVP), Angela Henry (Rookie of the Year), Jalis-
sa Sanchez (Most Improved Player) and Krystal Starks
(Sportsmanship Award). Other special award winners were
sophomores Paige Bernal and Eriberta Popoca (MVP),
The Illinois
ADVANCE 10 Fall 2008
Sports Shorts
freshman Steffanie Ritchey (Sportsmanship Award and Varsity volleyball players
Rachel Sweigert, Vic-
Most Improved Player), Rachel Sweigart (Rookie of the toria Rainey, Stephanie
Year), and sophomore Letecia Campos and junior Ebony Taylor, and Victoria
Robinson (Most Improved Players). Junior Victoria Cov- Covelli, relieve some
tension before a game by
elli, Kara Erickson, Victoria Rainey, Krystal Starks, posing for a fun picture.
and Stephanie Taylor earned WIVC All-Academic Team
honors. The Tigers were coached by Lori Jacobs and
Peggy Verdeyen.
Junior High Basketball Team
Front , Kneeling L-R: Nicole Hummell and Diana Lara
Junior Varsity squad, first row L-R: Ebony Robinson, McKenzie Reynolds,
Second Row L-R: She’leatha Mann, Amber Kelleher, Cayli Bateman, Victo-
Paige Bernal, Angela Henry, and Eriberta Popoca
ria Murrell, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Chelsea Schryver, Alli Kramer, Miriam
Second row L-R: Camille Nesmith, Lavonne-Kinerd Williams, Cynthia
Olmedo, Rebecca Hoffman, and Maddie Kotlowitz
Ascencio, and Steffanie Ritchey
Back L-R: Coaches; Raquel Humphrey, Jean Brown, and Caitlyn McCarthy
Third row L-R: Angelica Nieves, Leticia Campos, and Ariana Morgan
The 2008 Junior High School Football Team
JUNIOR HIGH ATHLETICS
FOOTBALL GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Twenty-two boys made up the jr. high football team this Numbers were down this year for the jr. high girl’s bas-
year, and by all standards, they had another successful ketball team, so only an 8th grade team schedule was
season. Along with their three victories, the experience played. They had a very exciting season, being very
gained and basic skills learned will prove to be very valu- competitive in every game they played. The girls involved
able in the years to come. The time and hard work put in on the team the entire season showed a lot of heart and
by these players and coaches at this level help pave the were never lacking effort. The group showed improve-
way for the future of Tiger Football. Congratulations to ment with every game. Congratulations to coaches Jean
Coaches Craig Kuhn, Jesse Hayes and the entire team. Brown, Raquel Humphrey, and the entire team for a
great effort.
The Illinois
ADVANCE 11 Fall 2008
Superintendent’s Message
Homecoming
Dear Marybeth,
Thank you and everyone involved with naming the Teen
Center snack bar “Bo’s Place.” When you first called
By Marybeth Lauderdale and told me what you planned to do I was so flattered.
But when I actually was at the pep assembly and then
saw the sign I was emotionally touched. I truly loved
working at the Teen Center and put my heart and soul
This fall we celebrated the 85th into it. So, Friday night I felt like all my work was ap-
Homecoming at ISD, and we had a perfect weekend for it! preciated. For 22 years I honestly can say I would leave
The theme of “The Wizard of Oz” (“There’s no place like the Teen Center at the end of the week and feel I was
home....”) carried us through the week. Although I wasn’t the luckiest person to have the job I did. Once again I
able to be here to enjoy the festivities; I was involved in walked away the other night and had that same feeling.
I’m now in a new chapter in my life but ISD will always
the planning and heard about how great all of the activities be a part of me forever. Thank you again for making me
were. One of the highlights was the introduction of nine of feel so special and for another memory to cherish.
the starting 11 players of the football team of 1948. In fact, Love,
I met three of these gentlemen on my way out of the Main Bo
Building on that Friday afternoon. They were truly happy to
be “home” at Homecoming. I heard a story about how much Thank you, too, Bo!
fun they had eating sack lunches from the dining room,
down in the football locker room, they loved the sandwiches
and their surroundings. I heard from many alumni how much
they appreciated how well the campus and the buildings
have been kept up, and I heard how happy they were that
the sidewalks and the blacktop have been repaired.
I also heard how worried the alumni are about the future
of their great school in these uncertain economic times.
I heard how glad they are that enrollment is up, and that
we are fully accredited by both NCA and CEASD, and that
we have an athletic program that is still involved in the
Western Illinois Valley Conference and the Central States
Schools for the Deaf (CSSD). However, they are concerned At noon on the following Monday, as part of the ISD
that we have not been able to fill positions to keep up with student news broadcast, I saw the photos of Homecom-
our growing enrollment. ing, with the grand finale of the crowning of king Michael
There were two dedications for homecoming, a small Morris and queen Angela Henry. Once again, ISD Home-
memorial garden by the football field was dedicated to coming was a hit! Thanks to everyone who was a part of
Linda Mehring Kuhn’s father, Paul Mehring, who was a making it so.
stand-out athlete for ISD. The snack bar in the high school
teen center was dedicated to Bo Wenger, who directed the
teen center for twenty-two years! I saw Bo Saturday night
at my son’s wedding reception, and she was SO excited and
pleased that ISD had chosen to remember her in that way.
She said she always loved to come to work, and there is a
special place in her heart for ISD. If you have a chance to
visit ISD, please stop by the snack bar to see “Bo’s Place”,
her name’s in neon lights!
Shortly after Homecoming, I received a letter from Bo
Wenger, who, coincidentally, just got got married! Here’s
what the letter said:
The Illinois
ADVANCE 12 Fall 2008
You are cordially invited to the
146th Commencement Exercises
for the
Illinois School for the Deaf
Class of 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
11:00 a.m.
Marshall Gymnasium
Illinois School for the Deaf
Jacksonville, Illinois
and to a reception following
in the Dietary Building
to honor the graduates
and Order of the Tiger recipients