The
Senior Wisdom Retreat /pp. 2-3
Volume 52 Number 9
Teachers receive recognition By Molly Howard Update Editor Instructors Matt Christenson, Kraig Presler and Deb Kresak were three of 10 teachers who were nominated for the Brandon Valley Teacher of the Year Award. “I was very surprised and immediately wondered who would have thought of me,” Kresak said. “I have never liked to be the center of attention, so I was a little doubtful about going forward with the questionnaire. I decided to do so because the person who nominated me would have been very disappointed.” Results were unavailable at press time. Twelve high school teachers and staff members also received the Years of Service Award Tuesday at the Retirement/ Recognition Banquet. Michelle Dandurand and Michelle Stemwedel have served for 10 years; Kevin Brick, Mary Erickson, Amy Frantzen, Chad Garrow, Diann Terpstra, Dian Versteeg, for 15 years; Mark Stadem, for 20 years; Allen Hogie, for 25 years; Debra Rothenberger and Deb Swanson, for 30 years.
Brandon Valley High School - Brandon, SD 57005
Hindbjorgen, Presler leave legacies By Umaima Koch News Editor Seniors Annika Hindbjorgen and Adam Presler will leave behind legacies both in school and in their respective extracurricular activities after graduating this year. Hindbjorgen plans to major in health sciences at the University of South Dakota, with a music or Spanish minor; afterwards, she wants to become a physical therapist. “I really love helping people,” she said. “I want a job where I can be active and talk to others about what they need.” Hindbjorgen had a friend who was quadriplegic, and she became intrigued with paralysis and finding a cure for it. “I want to help people live life to the fullest,” she said. One of her greatest passions is helping the orphans of Guatemala. Last summer Hindbjorgen traveled to Casa Angelina, a Guatemalan orphanage. “I painted fences, others built houses,” she said about her contributions to the orphanage. “We are there for the kids, and do whatever the orphanage has needs for.” Hindbjorgen even temporarily dyed the children’s hair pink and purple, just because. “I plan to go there (Guatemala) for the rest of my life,” she said. “There are 500,000 orphans in a country half the size of South Dakota, and that, quite simply, is unacceptable.” Hindbjorgen will return to Guatemala this summer on a mission trip.
Photo courtesy of Annika Hindbjorgen
Senior Annika Hindbjorgen hugs Juanito, a child from the Casa Angelina orphanage in Guatemala. Hindbjorgen will return to Guatemala on a mission trip this July. Hindbjorgen has won six National Forensic League stars in oral interp, as well as many first, second, and third place awards, and has raised nearly $800 for the Children’s Care Mall Walk, in honor of a dear friend of hers who recently passed away. Hindbjorgen is involved in orchestra, concert and chamber choirs, oral interp, and has performed in a one act, one fall play, and 11 spring musicals, her favorites being Willy Wonka and Fiddler on the Roof. She loves singing, competing in non-original oratory and original oratory and her 102-year-old cello, Florence. She has been a counselor for the past three years for the YMCA’s summertime children day camps, and this summer, she will run a bicycling program there. “My bucket list is a zillion pages
Pierson retires after 28 years of teaching mathematics By Jacob Boomsma Photo Editor After 25 years of teaching at Brandon Valley and 28 years total, math instructor Dean Pierson will retire. “Students have shown me many different ways to look at situations and solve problems,” Pierson said. “Their minds have such tremendous capacities and can think so well. To work with some students and see how they work through a problem is so impressive.” Pierson began teaching in 1984 after receiving his bachelors degree from South Dakota State University. He later went back to school and earned his masters while managing a fulltime teaching career. Beyond academics, he advised a Rocketry Club that qualified, with 99 other groups nationwide, for a contest in Washington, D.C. He has been
Friday, May 9, 2014
Photo by Jacob Boomsma
Instructor Dean Pierson assists sophomore Tanner Burkman with geometry. associated with the school’s blood drive for 10 years and donated blood since college. Pierson coached middle school and freshman football, J.V.
basketball and volleyball. “Watching the students perform at sporting and fine arts events has been a joy,” he said. “We have had so many great athletic teams and individuals. Watching them play in championship games has been a thrill. Attending band and choral concerts along with all the plays has been such a joy.” Pierson has taught computer, Algebra II and statistics for two years, consumer math for three years, physical science and physics for five years, geometry for 12 years, and Algebra I for 28 years. “I will miss the chance to be around such a great teaching staff that cares so much for their students,” he said. “I have always said that our staff pushes students to perform at their best. The results that we have had with the students that have graduated would show that we have been successful.”
long,” Hindbjorgen said, telling of how she wants to see as many Broadway performances as she can, to go snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, to ride a gondola in Venice. “Basically, I have a neverending desire to see the world.” Presler enjoys being with family and friends, participating in sports, singing, laughing, reading, d o i n g Senior Adam math and Presler watching Jeopardy! School-wise, he is involved in cross country, wrestling, track, choir and Quiz Bowl.
“Sports and singing and trivia have just always been fun for me,” he said. “Even when I fail, I feel blessed that I get to compete or perform.” Despite his many achievements, Presler personally feels as if he has had very few accomplishments in his activities. He attributes this to the fact that he sets lofty goals for himself, and rarely does he fully achieve them. However, he is proud he has never missed a competition or concert (due to illness or injury), and he has been able to be a role model for his younger brother. Presler plans to pursue mathematics at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. “I love doing mental math and solving difficult problems using numbers and numeric principles,” he said. “Also, math comes into play in a plethora of different occupations; a knowledge of math opens doors to many opportunities.” His interest in math was probably destined at birth, he said, seeing as his father is a math teacher, one of his uncles was an actuary and another uncle, a businessman. “I want to continue to pursue my passion and find a career I can enjoy for decades,” Presler said. In his lifetime, Presler wants to participate in adventure racing, a team competition that details hiking, rock climbing, canoeing and swimming over long distances. “I’m just a Christian, a family man, a goofball and an avid eater,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed my time at BV, and I’m excited for whatever is to come.”
Sazama leaves district, pursues masters degree a recent medical By Jacob Boomsma school graduate, Photo Editor was accepted into an English instructor emergency medicine Taya Sazama will be residency in St. Paul, resigning from her Minnesota, where position after three he will complete years of teaching at his formal medical Brandon Valley. education. Sazama “Without a doubt, will be pursuing her what I will miss the masters in English at most about Brandon Instructor Valley are the people Taya Sazama the University of St. Thomas while her here,” she said. “The other staff members and all husband finishes his training. “To all my past and current my students have given me so much joy, and I am thankful to students: I wish you well with have had such a wonderful first the coming years as you begin few years of teaching. I feel your senior year and move on truly blessed, and it makes it to college and careers,” Sazama said. “I am extremely proud difficult to leave.” Sazama began teaching here of all you have accomplished in 2011 after graduating from and I am happy to have gotten the University of Sioux Falls the chance to be a part of your lives. Thank you for the and Harrisburg High School. Sazama’s husband, Alan, memories!”
Brandon Valley Echo
Senior retreat positive By Rachel Boy Photo Editor About 210 seniors reminisced, interacted, laughed and even shed tears with one another at the Youth Frontiers Wisdom Retreat last month. “It was an awesome experience personally,” senior Erin Donovan said, “and I think our whole class really benefited from it.” This retreat gave students an opportunity to speak up, recognize others for all they’ve done and share their overall school experiences and memories. In the beginning, seniors participated in a variety of games and fun. They played elf, giant, wizard, bird on a perch, spoon on a string and more. The seniors also sang together as a class, danced, gave recognition to other seniors and staff and shared advice for their futures ahead. What affected Donovan most was when classmates were able to speak to each other at the end because it really sunk in that it was one of the last times the whole senior class was going to be together.
Seniors play bird on a perch in the beginning of the Wisdom Retreat. Girls ran around in a frenzy searching for their partner’s k your partner within five seconds, you were out. Seniors Derek Johnson and Mateya Lunstra won.
Class of 2014 announce South Dakota State University Ashlin Anderson, exercise science Elliane Antrim, art education Jenika Arens, pharmacy Alexander Ask, nursing/German John Bachman, mechanical engineering Tristan Black, biology Erin Buse, Spanish/biology/pre-med Taylor Christensen, athletic trainer/massage therapy Alyssa Christianson, human development/family studies Sabrina Dietz, mathematical engineering Erin Donovan, wildlife fisheries and sciences Kate Ellis, engineering Colin Entinger, biology/pre-med Shelby Fritz, psychology Raymond Fuerst, exercise science/philosophy Alana Hall, exercise science Alek Hanson, undecided Aaron Hauck, business/marketing Shannon Hegland, biology Ben Jackson, undecided Derek Johnson, undecided Maggie Kramer, agricultural business/economics Paige Kramer, nursing Alexa Kruse, business management Rebecca Long, exercise science/pre-physical therapy Jennie Lubbers, undecided Mateya Lunstra, exercise science Briana Martinmaas, undecided Emali McGee, mathematics Hannah McIlravy, human development/human studies Jacob Meyers, health sciences Erik Ode, dairy manufacturing/dairy production Kathryn Ode, early childhood education/special ed. Cassandra Onnen, undecided Antony Pacheco, undecided Janae Paul, nursing Carson Pruett, undecided Jessica Randolph, nursing Ingrid Rief, pre-veterinary medicine Shelby Rosenau, human development/human studies Andrew Schwarz, sociology
Holden Sjogren, pre-pharmacy Kailyn Smith, undecided Kristin Smith, undecided Brionna Spurlin, biology Zane Swanson, geography
University of South Dakota Amanda Berberich, undecided Jena Dreyer, biology/pre-med Tanner Fjerestad, bio med Wesley Hanson, business Jordyn Herr, nursing Annika Hindbjorgen, health sciences Bayley Horner, nursing Larissa Irvine, social work Brittany Jackson, undecided John Henry Knudtson, nursing Emma Larson, occupational therapy Luke Laycock, kinesiology Rebecca Lien, elementary/early childhood education Kara Polasky, communication sciences and disorders Bailey Quanbeck, English Wyatt Reed, business Desiree Rohrbach, graphic design/marketing Austin Snook, accounting Jack Sternburg, psychology McKenna Stevens, social work David Swars, criminal justice Lily Swenson, law Jared Waltz, business Devan West, undecided Paige Wright, secondary education/theater
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Cooper Baltzer, mechanical engineering Luke Bauske, mechanical engineering Spencer Heidbrink, engineering Noah Klamm, mechanical engineering Jacob Parker, mechanical engineering Cody Woessner, civil engineering
Augustana College Zach Bingen, mathematics Kara Schroeder, nursing
University of Sioux Falls Allyson Dykstra, pre-law A.J. Garrow, sports management Lucas Lunstra, undecided Nic Peterson, business Leah Rohlf, elementary education Jade Roozenboom, computer science Brooklyn Smith, business/management and financing
Southeast Technical Institute Jordan Chistensen, automotive technology Bailey Flanagan, surgical tech Madison Fleming, graphic media design Michael Hillman, mechanics Mikayla Johnson, nursing Kourtney MacArthur, nursing Mark Magelky Jr., digital media Logan McDonald, collision repair and technology Kourtney Mullenix, law enforcement Andrea Ramirez, early childhood Mitchell Thier, HVAC Nickolas Wehmeyer, banking
Other South Dakota Schools Brooke Becker, Mount Marty College, nursing Kyra Derr, Northern State University, biology/chemistry Alec Finch, Dakota State University, cyber operations Briana Grage, Dakota State University, biology/exercise science Todd Grothe, Dakota State University, animation/ computer game design Austin Krumbach, Lake Area Technical Institute, diesel mechanics Noah Kulzer, Dakota State University, audio production engineering Mackenzy Larson, University Center, undecided Jeffrey Lush, Dakota State University, secondary education for history Kaycee Metzger, Lake Area Technical Institute, photography/business associate Taylor Murtha, Mount Marty College, nursing Megan Peltier, Dakota Wesleyan University, elementary education
Friday, May 9, 2014
knee to perch on. If you weren’t with
Seniors Karlie Kirkpatrick and Kate Ellis share their thoughts with each other. Seniors were paired up with five people.
Senior Eric Eigenberg (top) rehearses his solo in his group’s singing performance. Seniors Derek Johnson and Mateya Lunstra (above) sit with Sam to support others.
es post-graduation plans Jamie Peterson, Lake Area Technical Institute, dental assisting Kevin Petersen, Dakota Wesleyan University, wildlife management Drake Tutt, Mitchell Technical Institute, propane/natural gas Branden Waldner, Dakota State University, undecided Noah Zangara, Southeast Technical Institute, business
Minnesota Schools Alana Christianson, Southwest Minnesota State University, mathematics/education Shayla Eastman, Minnesota West Technical Community College, nursing Anna Fruehwirth, University of Minnesota-Duluth, mechanical engineering Michael Horst, University of Minnesota, electrical engineering Evelyn Jorgenson, Solid Rock Discipleship Program, Christian ministries Abby Lusk, University of Minnesota-Morris, biology Caitlin Murphy, Minnesota State University-Mankato, dental hygiene Hannah Murray, Aveda Institute of Minneapolis, cosmetology/esthetics Lucas Mutschelknaus, Gustavus Adolphus College, nursing Dominic Nealy, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, sports management Adam Presler, Concordia College, mathematics Ryan Sjoberg, Minnesota State University-Mankato, secondary education Ariel Smykle, Aveda Institute of Minneapolis, esthetics Ashley Sommer, Minnesota State University-Mankato, bio medical sciences/pre-med Hannah Stensrud, University of St. Thomas, business Kim Zahn, Minnesota State University-Mankato, undecided Brady Zell, University of Minnesota-Rochester, nursing
Nebraska Schools Jennifer Baum, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, actuarial science Richard Blue V, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,
chemical engineering Jessica Edwards, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, marketing Cam Holmes, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, biochemistry Luke Nordmeyer, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, business Matt Pearce, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, journalism Tiara Tingle, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, pre-law
Iowa Schools Jacob Adams, Des Moines Area Community College, undecided Alicen Beldin, Northwestern College, actuarial science/ Spanish Rachel Boy, Western Iowa Technical Community College, photography Eric Eigenberg, Iowa State University, aerospace engineering Kim Knochenmus, Dordt College, graphic design Mackenzie Lien, Briar Cliff University, secondary education and mathematics Taylor Staab, Buena Vista University, public relations
Other Out-of-State Schools Manuel Bernal, University of Arizona, psychology Courtney Bruget, University of Kentucky, equine science/ management Shannon Gacke, George Washington University, international relations Kevin Gingles, Brigham Young University, computer engineering Jordyn Henderson, Florida Southern College, communications broadcast Shelbie Holiway, Baylor University, nursing/German Hannah Johnson, University of North CarolinaGreensboro, business Joseph Karnof, California State University, robotics/film making Breanne Kline, Purdue University, English Leandra Marais, Agrosy University, radiology Kaija Nitz, Pacific Lutheran University, global studies Alex Oddy, East Carolina University, physics
Alex Pacheco, Brigham Young University, marketing Ryan Rykhus, Colorado State University, biomedical engineering/mechanical engineering Emily Steinhouse, Lindenwood University, criminal justice Drake Van Egdom, Lehigh University, bioengineering Jameson White, Lincoln Technical Institute, auto body Ellie Williams, Florida State University, psychology Minniya Wilson, Clark Atlanta University, business Anna Blok Armed Forces Andrew Bowden Blake Brockey, Army Cole Bratland National Guard Katherine Daniels Jacob Haan, Air Force Jessica Edwards Courtney Herll, Air Force Coleton Ginger Evan Mallatt, Marines Emily Gross Mason Sehr, Marines Zachary Hansen Riley Swenson, Air Force Jonathan Heiberger John Thelen, Marines Logan Hoeke Kirby Turbak, Air Force Auston Weatherford, Army Lexi Hoover Ryan Immeker Working Rashel Itangishaka Hannah Albers Nathan Jacobson Rachael Breen Jordan Johnson Jonathan Brown Josh Johnson Mariah Clark Cody Josten Kenneth Cooperrider Erik Jupiter Chandler Dawley Thomas Khambounsy Hunter Fredericks Karlie Kirkpatrick Sheldon Hauge Brittany Klein Kaleb Kauffman Josh Madsen Alexander Maassen Brittney Mitchell Kathleen Perkinson Mason Mitzel Ethan Shabino Amanda Oleson Quan Sherron Sydney Reisch Molly Simpson Anthony Stomberg Trace Smykle Alyson Stoner Kylie Snoozy Evan Tellinghuisen Tyler Snoozy Nathan Unzen Sathaphone Vongphouthone Mason Van Vuuren Suzanne Vongkaenchan Undecided Presley Walth Cole Albertson Jacqualyn Berg
Brandon Valley Echo
Journalists receive All-State awards Journalism students received All-State awards for the Echo and Lynxonian as well as 14 awards in the South Dakota High School Press Association’s Writing Contest. Senior Rachel Boy received honorable mention for sports photography. Senior Evelyn Jorgensen placed first for cartoon and second in general interest/ opinion writing. Senior Matt Pearce received first in sports writing and second in feature story writing. Senior Kate Perkinson received first for non-school activity photography. Senior Taylor Staab received second for sports photography. Junior Jacob Boomsma placed second for school activity photography. Junior Becca Goth received second place in cartoon. Junior Molly Howard placed first in general interest/opinion writing and received honorable mention for cartoon. Junior Umaima Koch received second place for newswriting and honorable mention for front page layout. The first edition Echo placed second place in Class One newspaper. “Getting second place was rewarding because of all the time and effort we all put into designing and writing for the Echo,” senior Evelyn Jorgensen said.
FFAers in parade For the 14th year, FFA members decorated a float for the Loyalty Day parade, which was last Sunday. “The kids like to throw candy,” adviser Gary Griesse said, “and eat a little bit of it, too.” Griesse’s welding classes have been working on redoing the tractor that pulls the float. The students painted it red.
Did you know...? n Students of the month are freshmen Hanna Jellema, Ben Clememsen; sophomores Ethan Brown, Andrea Mikkelsen; juniors Shane Gacke, Brock Hanson; seniors Todd Grothe, Shannon Hegland and Kathryn Ode. n Girls golf awards dinner is Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. n SALSA meeting is Tuesday at 7 a.m. in the community room. n Academic Awards Assembly is Wednesday. n Baccalaureate is Wednesday in the Performing Arts Center. n Eastern South Dakota Conference track and field meet is home May 17 at 11:30 a.m. n Graduation is May 18 at 2 p.m. in the Student Activities Center. n Summer school registration is available in the counselors’ offices. n Girls golf state meet is May 1920 at 9 a.m. in Pierre. n Boys tennis awards dinner is May 20 at 6 p.m. n Semester tests are May 21-23. n Boys state tennis meet is May 22-24 at 9 a.m. in Rapid City. n Teacher workshop is May 27. n Track and field awards dinner is May 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the commons. n Track and field state meet is at O’Gorman May 30 at 10:30 a.m. and at Howard Wood May 31 at 9 a.m.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Holmes to run track for Nebraska By Matt Pearce Sports Editor Track standout senior Cam Holmes will continue his career in college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Running the 100, 200, 400 and 800m dashes for the Lynx as well as numerous relays, he will run the 200m and 400m dashes as well as the 4x100 and 4x400m relays for the Cornhuskers. “I’m super excited to be able to compete for Nebraska in the upcoming years,” he said. “They have a very talented team and I can’t wait to be a part of that.” Before deciding on Nebraska––where he will major in biochemistry––he received interest from many schools, but in the end he said his decision came down to Nebraska or the University of Minnesota. Academics––not just track––played a role in his decision. “Nebraska has excellent academics,” he said. “I loved the campus and the atmosphere surrounding it.” One day while Holmes and his dad were looking at the middle school track records, he asked his dad if he thought he could break any of them. When his dad responded the 400m dash looked doable, but the 100m and 200m dashes would be a stretch due to how fast they
Photo by Taylor Staab
Senior Cam Holmes will run track at Nebraska next year. were, Holmes decided to go out for track. His dad proved to be right as Holmes currently holds three Brandon Valley High School track records as well as one state meet record. The school records are the 400m dash, the 4x200m relay and the medley. The state meet record is in the 400m dash with a time of 48.39 seconds. (For reference, the world record is
Quanbeck is involved By Taylor Staab Update Editor Band, theater and oral interp are at the top of the extracurricular list for senior Bailey Quanbeck. Quanbeck participated in oral interp, Optimist Club, oratorical contest, National Honor Society, teaching Sunday school and was co-president of Art Club. Quanbeck was involved in Symphonic Band, pep band and marching band. She has been playing the flute since fifth grade, and earned herself a spot in All-State Band for the first time this year. “(High school) has taught me that you can take difficult classes and participate in many activities without sacrificing any one,” Quanbeck said. Quanbeck was active in theater productions including the fall play, one-act play and musical. She performed in The Movie Game, A Walk in the Woods, “Little Shop of Horrors,” Seussical the Musical, South Pacific, A Christmas Carol, “The Scheme of the Driftless Shifter” and Willy Wonka. After starting oral interp in her freshman year, Quanbeck has earned over 1,000 points, the most points interp coach Gina
18 acts perform at Variety Show By Katelyn Kendall Circulation Manager At the Variety Show 18 acts performed. The acts included singing, dancing, piano, guitar, beatboxing, a comedy act and a Sherlock Holmes skit. A surprise act included three school board members and Assistant Principal Mark Schlekeway dressed as the rock band Kiss. They wore the black-and-white makeup the band members wear. About 350 people attended the show, raising approximately $1,500 for the Fine Arts Booster Club. The money will be used for scholarships, equipment and other requests. “This has become a very positive annual tradition that provides a venue for students to showcase talents that might otherwise not be displayed,” said Beth Hindbjorgen, president of the Fine Arts Booster Club.
Photo by Jacob Boomsma
Senior Bailey Quanbeck performs during the Variety Show. Koehn has seen. “It has always been a goal of mine to publish a book, to decide what to do with my life and whatever career I want to do,” Quanbeck said. “I want the passion to be shown.” Quanbeck plans to attend the University of South Dakota and major in English. “I think USD has many opportunities. They have a great English and teaching program,” she said. “I think USD will have my activities and then some. USD will be able to foster my work ethic and enthusiasm for learning and contributing in activities and my community.”
43.18 seconds, set by Michael Johnson of the United States.) Along the way, Holmes has earned six conference championships and two state championships. “The highlight of my career so far is winning the Eastern South Dakota title last year for the second year in a row,” he said. “That was definitely the most fun year of track.” Throughout his time running track, he has put in hard work, which has paid off. “I think visualizing how hard your competition is working, and then working even harder than they are, helps push you to the top.” Before he heads to Lincoln to compete for the Cornhuskers in a few months, he still has a few high school meets to go, including the conference and state track meets. The Metro Conference Meet is today and the Eastern South Dakota Conference Meet is May 17. State track preliminaries are May 30 at Sioux Falls O’Gorman and the finals will be the next day at Howard Wood Field. At Lincoln, Holmes hopes to make an impact right away. “My goal for next season is to earn a spot on the starting 4x400m (which placed second at the indoor nationals),” he said.
Garrow to play football at USF By Dylan Bludorn Sports Editor Senior A.J. Garrow, like his father and grandfather, will play football at the University of Sioux Falls. Garrow, a Lynx captain, will start over as a freshman battling for a spot on the Cougar’s depth chart. Including Garrow, USF has nine receivers on their preseason roster. “He will do whatever he can to be prepared, go out and compete this summer and in fall camp,” coach Chad Garrow said. Garrow, a standout receiver in his three-year varsity career as a Lynx, set a state record for the most receptions in a single game with 14 in the state semifinal game against Sioux Falls Roosevelt. “There is definitely nothing like coaching your son for the past three years,” coach Garrow said. “There were some very challenging times and some very emotional times.”
Students watch ‘Deaf Duckling’ By Taylor Staab Update editor Instructor Melinda Winter and her ASL II students attended the performance of “The Deaf Duckling” put on by Mixed Blood Theatre at Minnesota West CTC Fine Arts Theater last month. “The Deaf Duckling,” based on “The Ugly Duckling,” gave an insightful look on how a hearing family incorporates deaf and hearing communities into their family. The play was performed in American Sign Language and English. Of the three actors, the main actor was deaf and supporting actor were top level sign language interpreters. “For us kids in ASL II, we understand how the people in Deaf community have felt a little better than some hearing people, and are much less discriminating,” senior Alexa Kruse said. “That is something I have thought a lot about with taking ASL. I feel like the students in ASL are much
better equipped to handle such a situation. I definitely look forward to the “someday” when I can communicate with my children much earlier than some because I can implement sign, and they can understand that sort of language earlier.” The main actor is an actor in the ABC drama Switched At Birth, a show that has deaf and hard-of-hearing actors. They had opportunity to meet people from surrounding deaf communities that attended the play. “The play would be really great for a lot of hearing people to see because it points out how important it is for deaf children to have sign language, and for hearing parents of deaf children to help immerse them and make a connection with them through sign,” Kruse said. “I really enjoyed the play and hope there are more experiences like it for future ASL students. I’m really glad I attended.”