Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf
LION
2009
300 East Swissvale Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15218-1469 www.wpsd.org
Volume XL
Cover illustrations by Andrea Echavarria, Class of 2009
The Yearbook Staff graciously acknowledges Tony Remis for sharing his photographs of Australia with us.
WPSD Down Under
Class of 2009 Students Staff Sports Activities Ads
Table of Contents
Superintendent
Donald E. Rhoten, M.S., M.Ed. Superintendent
Mr. Rhoten with the Class of 2009
Devon Chambers 1990 - 2007 Rest in peace
We miss you! We will remember you always and forever. Class of 2009
Class of 2009
Australia Memories The day when we all were ready to leave the U.S. and visit Australia, we all were so thrilled and nervous at the same time! We really enjoyed socializing with Australian students and became friends with them. There are many things that are different between America and Australia. We really learned a lot. Australia has no winter season like we have since it is mostly warm there all the time. We went to some of beaches in Australia and all of them were so gorgeous. We all even got free surf lesson and we really had a lot of fun learning how to surf! We enjoyed swimming in the ocean and riding the waves!
Australia has many different kinds of foods and they were delicious to eat! We got to eat kangaroo, kiwi, and crocodile meats! Most of us tasted those foods and they taste just like our meats here in America.
Adam Duty
The next thing that we haven’t seen in America are the animals of Australia. We got the chance to feed and pet kangaroos which was one of most amazing experiences. We saw koala bears, dingoes, many kinds of reptiles, and many kinds of gorgeous birds at the Australia Zoo! We really enjoyed seeing the animals from Australia. Another thing that provided a learning experience was their sign language. We have American Sign Language. Australia’s sign language is called Auslan It is totally different from our language. We learned some of their Auslan while they learned our ASL and now we all could be considered bilingual!
Australia has some sports that are similar to our’s, but they also have several sports that we don’t play in America. The sport that we loved learning and playing is rugby. It is sort of mixed soccer and football but the rules are different It was complicated for all of us! We used a ball that is sort of like football but much bigger. When playing rugby, there is no gear to wear, not even any protection! It took a while for us to be able to learn how to play rugby and once we learned, we continued playing rugby every time we had free time. Australia has different driving methods from America. They drive on the opposite side (of the road) and the driver’s seat (and the steering wheel) is on the right side of the vehicles.
Australia’s schools are similar to our’s. Several parts of their education were different. They have tea break in the middle of morning before lunch. We have levels from kindergarten to 12th grade while they call those levels years K to year 12 instead of having the word ‘grade’. We were observing their classes and they are still pretty much the same as our schools. After high school, some of them would go to colleges and some go to voc. school. We had many experiences and became aware of what Australia was like. We knew the differences between this country and our country. We even knew that during the day in America would be the night in Australia. We really enjoyed a lot of experiences that we had at Australia. We are so grateful for those opportunities!
Javauna Ortiz Arce “Juicy, Java” July 17, 1991 Bellevue, PA
Favorite color: Red Favorite staff members: Renee Fisher and Anita Mitchell. Favorite word: “Be real...not fake.” Best memories of WPSD: I jumped out of the chair when I heard the fire alarm, and there was no fire alarm. It turns out that Jeremy was the one who was making the fire alarm noises. Favorite activities at WPSD: Cheerleading. Hobbies: Writing, being on the computer, going out, and drawing letters. After WPSD: Attend CCAC and NTID/RIT. I also want to be able to get a good job in the future.
Favorite colors: Light red and pink. Favorite staff member: Venita Smith Favorite word: “Talk.” Best memory of WPSD: Math class Favorite activities at WPSD: Cheerleading.
Samantha JoAnn Beaford “Sammy“ October 18, 1989 Meadville, PA
Hobbies: Language, math, art, and reading. After WPSD: Attend HGA. I would like to have job as a food/beverage server.
Samantha Ann Boothby Favorite colors: Blue and orange. Favorite staff members: Kathy Bartholow and Renee Fisher.
“Samie” February 23, 1990 Johnstown, PA
Favorite word: “I don’t know.” Favorite activities at WPSD: Volleyball (9-12) and Basketball (7-12) Hobbies: Hang out with my friends, play sports, and drawing. After WPSD: Attend HGA.
Favorite color: Blue Favorite staff member: Nancy Possumato Favorite word: “Hoops.” Best memories of WPSD: Basketball and meeting my friends. Favorite activities at WPSD: Basketball. Hobbies: Playing basketball and playing on the XBOX. After WPSD: I might attend a tech school.
Jhorden Montel Cheadle “Silent Rage“ September 19, 1989 Clairton, PA
Adam Joseph Duty “The Pinky Hulk” March 31, 1991 Ephrata, PA
Favorite color: Blue Favorite staff members: Aaron Noschese, Valentine Wojton III, Paula Busanic, and George D’ Amore. Favorite word: “Freaking!” Best memories of WPSD: Going to Australia and many things with friends. Favorite activities at WPSD: Soccer, basketball, track, being SBG president, and being ILP president. Hobbies: Playing soccer, hanging around with friends, playing Solitaire, sleeping, torturing some of my friends, and other things that entertain me. After WPSD: Attend Gallaudet University. Favorite color: All colors Favorite staff member: Dorothy Scharschu. Favorite word: “Art!” Best memories of WPSD: Trip to Australia, trip to New York City and Washington D.C. with Australian kids. Favorite activities at WPSD: Art projects, computer graphics, basketball, working at “Lion Works” and woodshop.
Andrea Marie Echavarria “Andreita“ October 16, 1988 Sewickley, PA
Hobbies: Drawing, painting, using photoshop on the computer, and exercise. After WPSD: Take Graphic Arts classes at the Art Institute or CCAC.
Favorite color: Blue Favorite staff members: Amy Newland, Maryann, and Tony Remis.
Lauren Ashlyn Goforth “Drama Queen” May 2, 1991 Monroeville, PA
Favorite word: “Yeah right!” Best memories of WPSD: I couldn’t pick one because I have a billion best memories! Favorite activities at WPSD: Homecoming and snack bar with my friends and boyfriend. Hobbies: Photography, sports, hanging out with friends, family, boyfriend, and I like to travel! After WPSD: Attend college and find a job.
Favorite color: Pink Favorite word: “Stop!” Best memories of WPSD: Going to Australia and New York City. Favorite activities at WPSD: Cheerleading and volleyball. Hobbies: Listening to music, dancing, shopping, socializing with my friends and boyfriend. After WPSD: Attend CCAC.
Stellena Laverne Hargrove “Stella” September 1, 1991 East Liberty, PA
Brian Thomas Hertneky “Mr. Big“ June 1, 1991 Bethel Park, PA
Favorite color: Orange Favorite staff member: Roger Phipps Best memories of WPSD: Going to Australia with 2009ers. Favorite activities at WPSD: Soccer, chess, and basketball. Hobbies: Soccer, paintball, Wii, and hanging out with friends. After WPSD: Attend NTID/RIT.
Favorite color: Blue Favorite staff members: George D’Amore and Mark Kite. Favorite word: “Come on.” Best memories of WPSD: At Prom day of 2007, I kissed the first girl named Ashlyn from WPSD. (Haha) Favorite activities at WPSD: Soccer, basketball, and track.
Charles Edward Hine “Chazz” July 6, 1990 Limerick, PA
Hobbies: Ice hockey, roller hockey, riding bike, jogging, and skating. After WPSD: Attend RIT; play hockey and get more education.
Rachel Marie Hutchinson Favorite colors: Blue and green
“Rara” May 11, 1990 Greensburg, PA
Favorite staff members: Erin McNeil-Mascaro and Cassandra Beveridge. Favorite word: “Haha” Best memories of WPSD: I have many best memories and I won’t forget about all of my best memories. Favorite activities at WPSD: Playing sports and hanging out with friends. Hobbies: Hanging out with my family and friends, riding a 4-wheeler, watching movies, and playing any sports. After WPSD: Attend Gallaudet University or NTID. Favorite color: Green Favorite staff member: Paula Busanic. Favorite word: “Hola” and “What?“ Best memories of WPSD: Making new friends when I first joined WPSD, traveling to Australia with my classmates, going to the prom with Carl, drama club with Amy Newland, and Signshine. Favorite activities at WPSD: Signshine. Hobbies: Playing softball, swimming, drawing, Kaya King, and reading. After WPSD: Attend to Slippery Rock University.
Emily Joan McCamey “Em, Emmers” November 19, 1990 Boyers, PA
James Joseph McLenigan “Joker” July 5, 1991 Lafayette Hill, PA
Favorite color: Blue Favorite staff members: Roger Phipps and George D’Amore. Favorite word: “Yeah right.” Best memories of WPSD: DTA pageant at TSD. Favorite activities at WPSD: Soccer, basketball, and track. Hobbies: Computer graphics, games, hacky sack, sudoku, puzzles, sports, and drawing. After WPSD: Attend RIT. Ater college, I want to have a job related to Pixar/ Web design.
Favorite color: Red Favorite activities at WPSD: Track & Field. Hobbies: I love to talk with my old friends on VP-200, playing games on the computer, watching snowboarding, ninja, and Pimp My Ride on tv, and watching funny movies.
Kurt Padua
September 21, 1989 Chambersburg, PA
After WPSD: Attend NTID for 4 years. I want to have a job related to Computer Technology or Computer Science.
Derek David Possumato Favorite color: Green Favorite staff member: Roger Phipps and David Tasselli.
“Soccer Dude 16” September 10, 1991 North Versailles, PA
Favorite word: “Why?” Best memories of WPSD: Winning the Championship for soccer and basketball, going to Australia with my 2009ers, sports, learning, and friends. Favorite activities at WPSD: Playing sports. Hobbies: Sports, videogames, collecting mini baseball bats, tving, lifting weights, hanging out with my friends, and listening to music. After WPSD: Attend RIT/NTID or CCAC.
Favorite color: Blue Favorite staff member: She is not here anymore, but I would definitely say Amy Newland. and Paula Busanic. Favorite word: “Really, I...“ Best memories at WPSD: Homecoming 2006. When Barb announced that we were going to Australia and March 2008 when we went to Australia. Favorite activities in WPSD: Academic Bowl Club in 2006-2007. Hobbies: Editing, daydreaming, dancing, taking pictures, reading, and drawing. After WPSD: Attend NTID. I might want to become a photographer after college.
Sabreen Fatima Reza “Sabreenie” January 31, 1991 Pittsburgh, PA
Anne Elizabeth Ross “Annie“ January 4, 1988 Bentleyville, PA
Favorite color: Red Favorite staff member: Tony DiMenno Favorite word: “Walmart.” Best memories of WPSD: Bonding with the nurses, camping, and friendship. Favorite activities at WPSD: Working in the cafeteria, sewing, making crafts, and snack bar. Hobbies: Bowling, swimming, shopping, and you-tube. After WPSD: Work at “Life’s Work” in Belle Vernon, PA.
Favorite color: Pink Favorite staff member: Bonnie Banas Favorite word: “Cute.” Best memories of WPSD: Living in the dorm. Favorite activities at WPSD: Art, acting, and snack bar. Hobbies: Watching movies, reading books, playing games, playing with brat dolls, drawing, and skateboarding.
April Marie Smith “Apple Bee“ May 29, 1989 Leechburg, PA
Jeremy Adam Wagoner Favorite color: Neon Orange
“Jaws” March 28, 1991 Pittsburgh, PA
Favorite staff member: Tony Remis Favorite word: “Dude...” Best memories of WPSD: Being with the Aussies and interacting with them! Favorite activities at WPSD: Playing basketball, soccer, track, and joining every activity that’s available. Hobbies: Playing outside, talking with friends, reading, playing computer games, and doing whatever I love to do. After WPSD: Attend Galludet or RIT. I would like to have a job after I complete college, of course! Favorite color: Blue Favorite staff member: Everybody Favorite word: “More cookies!” Best memories of WPSD: Too many to pick. Favorite activities at WPSD: Lunch! Hobbies: Being outside, swinging, watching tv, and looking at books. After WPSD: Undecided.
Jeffrey D. Wranich “J.D.“ May 16, 1988 Kittanning, PA
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Guess who? Guess who? Guess who?
1. R. Hutchinson, 2. A. Duty, 3. J. McLenigan, 4. J. Wranich, 5. D. Possumato, 6. A. Smith, 7. S. Hargrove, 8. A. Ross, 9. J. Arce, 10. E. McCamey, 11. S. Boothby, 12. S. Beaford, 13. B. Hertneky, 14. K. Padua, A. Echavarria, 16. J. Wagoner, 17. J. Cheadle, 18. L. Goforth, 19. S. Reza. 17.
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High
School
Dustin Brown
Brister Campbell
Alexandria Carlin
Ryan Deivert
Deaidra Grayson-Coleman
Charleka Grubb
Jennifer Nichols
Tiffany Putt
Yuri Tokarek
Ryan Toth
WPSD DOWN UNDER
Class of 2010
Jesse Bracken
Antonio Carr
Boston Campbell
Class of 2011
Randy Dor
Erik Hinderman
Amanda Capone
Michael Celesnik
Kelsey Fike
Amanda Howser
Blaise Jugan
Ben Marshall
Keith Luketic
Danny McGee
Tyler Smith
Hayley Walker
Brianna Storino
Bikelle Wood
Emily Bach
Joanna Cernicky
Timothy Caufield
Alex Cherpak
Megan Eighmey
Alex Dutrow
James Harach
Class of 2012
Charles Haynes
Richie Mikula-Nichols
Marcus Pryor
Peter Hilton
Cody Murcek
Michael Pryor
Kayla Irvin
Glenn Myers
Zachary Rouse
Alex Russo
Shirley Shirk
Briana Wozniak
Class of 2012
It was my first time to get into a plane in my life. I wasn’t thinking that I had to go overseas and wow, I just couldn’t believe it. I thought it would be scarier to get on the plane, get off the ground and go into the sky for more than 20 hours.
Charles Hine
My best memory of our trip to Australia is when we met Terri Irwin at the Australia Zoo in Queensland. We took a picture with Terri! We were very lucky!!
Andrea Echavarria
My favorite day was when I went to Queensland. The plane landed in a beautiful airport, and Queensland was beautiful!!! The condo was beautiful and the condo sky line was BEAUTIFUL. My part of the condo had a wonderful view of the beach and some of the WPSD girls looked from my balcony and the moon was out. It was gorgeous!
Sabreen Reza
More Memories of Our Trip to Australia I went surfing at Palm Beach. Adrian taught us how to surf. I made it up on the board seven times! Mary Ann told me that I should become a pro surfer! I was laughing. The beach was very clean and you were able see through the water.
Rachel Hutchinson
Middle
School
Kevin Araujo
James Copeland
Daniel Bishop
8th Grade
Maggie Donaldson
Ricky Eriksen
Anthony Cochran
Jocelyn Demme
Lonnieka Embry
Nathan Ir win
Adsila Lloyd
Louis Morrone
Jennifer Megela
Brandon Pike
Destiny Quarles
Shay Reeves
Summer Robinson
Melissa Shirk
Joshua Sivak
Rachel Campion
Jessica Gould
Jaime Friday
7th Grade
Jalen Jenkins
Shannon McAleavey
Matthew Kelly
Le’ Airua McHenry
Joshua Geidel
Naithen McMillen
Samantha Pettit
Stacey Quear
Bradley Speck
Somalya Robinson
Andrew Weik
Anna Mei Schurer
DeOntae White
Hannah Fisher
Phait Ounn
Alec Lindsey
Jameel Smith
6th Grade
Megan Majocha
Michael Weber
Storm Betts
Travis Frye
Dylan Craddock
Dajion Dixon
5th Grade
Kevin Goerman
Kathryn Holtzman
Emily Petrillo
Amber Jones
Jia Fei Reeves
Emily Reno
Stefon Trowell
Marisa Walworth
Lower
School
Anthony Duffield
Noah McAuley
Seth Reeves
Margi Jo Patton
Mrs. Patton’s Class
Fauntaye Burke
Jonnae Hereford
Cheyenne Thompson
Shaniya Washington
Donna Smozski
Mrs. Smozski’s Class
Ethan Campion
Debbie DeFrancesco
Cassie Friday
Asa Heirendt
Kyle D’ Amore
Tori Reeves
Mrs. DeFrancesco’s Class
Krista Foster
Shania Williams
Antoine Hunter
Montae Jackson
Jafar Rakhimkulov
Joy Zurawski
Mrs. Zurawski’s Class
David Breight
Nicholas Everett
Nicholas Monteparte
Kendrick Rivers
Mary Noschese
Mrs. Noschese’s Class
Chad D’ Amore
R.J. Fisher
Alexandra Francis
Destiny Tanner
Christie Homell
Ms. Homell’s Class
Kyle Keracher
Katelyn Frenchak
Howard Lin
Cheyenne Sloan
Sherry Baxter
Mrs. Baxter’s Class
Sandy Benintende
Danielle Fisher
Lara Geary
Alexa McCullough
Emily Oesterling
Summer Olszewski
Rose Santucci
Dylan Zurawski
Mrs. Benintende’s Class
Carrie Rain
Grace Benham
Jenna D’ Amore
Olivia Larson
Victoria Pryor
Ethan Sheppeck
Ethan Kibe
Katelyn Stokan
Mrs. Rain’s Class
Wendy Auden
Alyssa Goshaw
JoAnna Drew
Daniel Kadlick
Alexis Goshaw
Amanda Nagy
Mrs. Auden’s Class
Patty Greeno
Damira Bernard
Bernie Fisher
Maggie Geary
Claudia Chiusano
Makenna Hager
Olivia Clinger
Samantha Reno
Aniya Wilson
Mrs. Greeno’s Class
Katherine Kolosky
Seth Fiedor
Madison Bourque
Braden Fisher
Valerie DeVos
Blake Swayne
Sierra Woodford
Mrs. Kolosky’s Class
Bobbie Jo Duffy
Nathan Sheppeck
Caleb Hawkins
Christian Wilkins
Faith Saulsberry
Maleek Washington
Ms. Duffy’s Class
Staff
Gregg Bowers
Asst. Superintendent of Support Services
Paul Klucsarits
Director, Interpreting Services
Jennifer Craig Audiologist
Lori Randolph Interpreter
Leeza McMillan
Elaine Moore
Martha Hutchinson Secretary
Sandi Kitchen
Interpreter
Asst. Principal, Lower school
Office Aide
Rita Witt
Kathy Stephan
Diana Saunders-Conley Tara Bellisario
Tatiana Prezioso
Jessica Marks
Dir. Centeral PA Outreach Services
Interpreter
Receptionist
Audiologist
Receptionist
Audiologist
Timothy Harris
Helen Shirey
Chief Fiscal Officer
Dir, Human Resources
Leslie Leary
Mary Lou Raible
Payroll Clerk
Accountant
Barbara Hancock
Accounting/Purchasing Clerk
Chris Fletcher
Dir. of Development
Lisa Yankoski
Judy Hamilton
Vicki Cherney
Patricia Poli
Gen. Acct. Clerk
Marketing coordinator
Tom Gentile
Manager, LionWorks Printshop
Robert Aker Printer
Secretary
Secretary
Michael Rhoten Graphic Designer
Alan Majocha
Production Coordinator
Crystal Davis Registrar
Cathy Rhoten Principal
Jill D’Amore
Choices for Children Deaf Mentor
Deborah Fell
Coordinator’s Children Services
Karen Roudybush Reading Specialist
Tina Marshall Teacher
Vicki Frost
Sue McAdoo
Adm. asst
Curricuium Coordinator
Mary Ann Stefko Valentine Wojton III
Mainstream coordinator
Gail McCall Teacher
Teacher, Athetic Dir., SLPI Coordinator
Mary Jo Redfern Teacher
Michael Prezioso IEP coordinator
Nancy Benham
Director, Choices for Children
Tony Remis Teacher
Linda Burik
Ellen Russel
Brian Slavinsky
Director, Learning Center
Technology Specialist
Coordinator of Media Services
John Fisher
Kathy Betz
Nancy Possumato,
Media and Tech. Aide
Helen May R.N.
Library Aide
Gina McDonald R.N.
R.N. Nursing Supervisor
Carolyn Kirkpatrick Coordinator of Library Servicess
Connie Elias R.N.
Mary Noe Secretary
Suzanne Komaniak R.N.
Sharon Portser R.N.
Australia is a very beautiful country. I was very impressed with how clean Sydney was at all times. I fell in love with the cockatoos that flew freely everywhere especially at the Royal Institue for Deaf and Blind Children’s campus. I can’t pinpoint one favorite memory because the whole trip was very memorable. I loved every moment of everything. However, there are two events that always play in the back my mind. The first would be learning how to surf and “ride the waves”. That was fun! Seeing everyone helping each other and having fun was AWESOME. The other memory would have to be our trip to Queensland. Visiting Steve Irwin’s zoo (petting a Koala) and swimming at the beach was spectacular. I was very impressed with the interactions between the students from both WPSD and RIDBC. I didn’t expect the relationship between them to become “life-time” friends. I, too, made some wonderful friends there and am very proud to have experienced this trip with the Class of 2009. Tony Remis
Barbara Goodman Asst. Principal, HS
Linda Langer Office/Teacher Aide
Cassandra Beveridge Paula Busanic HS Teacher
HS Teacher
Renee Gillam
Wayne Kelly
HS Teacher
HS Teacher
John Foust Voc. Teacher
Joseph Goodman Voc. Teacher
Carol Riser Vocational Evaluator
Mindy Nagy Secretary
Carole Aurilio HS Teacher
Dana Dailey
Amy Dent
Gary Freilino
HS Teacher
HS Teacher
HS Teacher
Erin McNeil-Mascaro Julie Ann Mountain Wendy Payne-Craig HS Teacher
Monica Papa Voc. Teacher
HS Teacher
Sheree Peery Voc. Teacher
HS Teacher
Michael Adams P.E. Teacher
Daniel Emerick P.E. Teacher
Joyce Rodella P.E.Teacher
Amy Alverson Drama Teacher
Dorothy Scharschu Anthony DiMenno Fine Arts Teacher
Job Coach Coordinator Liaison
Classroom Support
Thomas DeFazio
Larry Randolph
Rosie Noschese
Anthony Dumblosky Elizabeth Eberle
Thomas Sage
Diane Pici-McMahon
Christy Shively
Carrie Poilucci
Walla Harding
Donna Johnston
David Tasselli
Daniel McNamara
Jaime Leute
Troy Verner
Donald Mazreku
Joan Rinaldi
Middle School
Asst. Principal
Secretary
Malkah Bird
Erin Bosley
Jennifer Demme
Pauline Dunbar
Shari Gerlach
Debbie Husar
Joyce Maravich
Deborah Remis
Vincent Ruscavage
Sally Wellman
Frances Jolly
Heather Stiff
Donna Weiss
School Counselor
Guidance Counselor
Behavior Modifier
Art Therapist
Kirstin Raether
Jessica Bovard
Katrina Betz
Lyndsay Ferrara
Physical Therapist
Counselor
Speech
Speech
Gina Lescovic
Janine McTighe
Amalia Paltan
Jessica Sunday
Penni Telleck
Speech
Speech
Speech
Joel Grover
Director Couns./ Evaluator
Anne FisherEvangelista Occupa . Ther.
Tina Abraham
Speech
Vision Specialist
Aaron Noschese Dean of Students
Fabrienne DeRise-Spadacene
Kathy Bartholow Asst. to the Dean
Thomas Halik Asst. to The Dean
Asst. Dean of students
Todd Behanna
Gloria Biega
Mary Agnes Conner
George D’Amore
Douglas Downes
ILP Staff
Renee Fisher
Tara Graef
Patrick Henry
Marjorie Hudson
Amy Kimmerle
Residential Supervisors
Mark Kite
Rita Kuchar
Patricia Long
Linda McKay
Kara Mazreku
Morgan Moore
Roger Phipps
Amanda Primel
James Raffle
Shawn Roberts
Venita Smith
Gretchen Steffen
David Zurawski
Richard Blecher
Terry Uzarski
Walter Czekanski
Anthony Donifero
Norman Kemerer
Robert Kropp
Russell Marcase
James McMahon
William Smith
Paul Swiatek
Thomas Walton
Director of Plant Operations
Maintenance
Jason Ennis
Robert Noschese
Housekeeping
Gary Henderson Day Foreman
Roberta McCoy
John Sr. Wood Night Foreman
John Noschese
Betty Baverso
Rolland Spadacene
William Funk
Charles Lewicki
Dennis Barnett
Charmaine Dunbar
Wayne Richter
Rebecca Satterwhite
Ronald Scala
Carl Stepien
John Vojtko
Kenneth Williams
William Willis
Robert Wilson
Jeffrey Byerly
Security Foreman
David Marchwinski
Security
Dining Room Staff
Richard E. Starr
Karen Carroll
Melissa Carroll
Dennis Francis
Charlene Holleran
Janet Held
Peggi Juart
Wendy Murphy
Food service Director
Peggy Patterson
Amanda Waldoch
Angela Cristina
David Francis
Michael Insko
Kathy James
Sports
Varsity Volleyball
Front row: Managers Samantha Beaford and Jennifer Nichols Middle row: Head Coach Christine Homell, Ashlyn Goforth, Rachel Hutchinson, Boston Campbell, Tiffany Putt, Samantha Boothby, Megan Eighmey, Asst. Coach Nellie Noschese Back row: Sabreen Reza, Emily Bach, Stellena Hargrove (scorekeeper), Shirley Shirk, Hayley Walker
Record:16-24
Junior Varsity Volleyball
Kneeling: Samantha Beaford, (Manager) Back: Asst. Coach Nellie Noschese, Stacey Quear, Maggie Donaldson, Sabreen Reza, Jessica Gould, Summer Robinson, Anna Mei Schurer, Shannon McAleavey, Jaime Friday, Melissa Shirk, Brianna Storino, Coach Christine Homell
Soccer
First row: Ben Marshall (manager), Charles Hine, Jimmy McLenigan, Derek Possumato, Jeremy Wagoner, Adam Duty, Brian Hertneky, Chris DeadwilerSecond row: Jesse Bracken, Michael Celesnik, Ryan Toth, Yuri Tokarek, Dustin Brown, Brister Campbell, Ryan Deivert, Blaise JuganThird row: Bradley Speck, Joshua Sivak, Zachary Rouse, Peter Hilton, Alex Cherpak, Richie Mikula-Nichols, Anthony Cochran, Shay ReevesFourth row: Asst. Coach George D’Amore, Head Coach Valentine Wojton III, Asst. Coach David Tasselli
Record: 12-7-1 Deaf National Champions
2008
Mighty Mite Soccer
Front Row: Danny Sheppeck, Ethan Sheppeck, Ethan Kibe, Emily Oesterlin, Grace Benham, Tony Dumblosky Back Row: Amanda Primel, Alexandra Francis, Danielle Fisher, Summer Olszewski, Dylan Zurawski, Gretchen Steffen
Front Row: Destiny Tanner, Tori Reeves, Kyle Keracher, RJ Fisher, Cassie Friday, Amanda Primel Middle Row: Anthony Duffield, Katie Holtzman, Chad D’Amore, Kyle D’Amore, Seth Reeves Back Row: Tony Dumblosky, Gretchen Steffen, Danny Sheppeck
Varsity Girls Basketball
First row: Somalya Robinson, Jaime Friday, Le’Airua McHenry, Emily Bach, Mellisa Shirk, Samantha Pettit Second row: Boston Campbell, Tiffany Putt, Samantha Boothby, Rachel Hutchinson, Brianna Storino Third row: Asst. Coach Nellie Noschese, Javauna Arce, Jocelyn Demme, Andrea Echavarria, Maggie Donaldson, Stacey Quear, Hayley Walker, Megan Eighmey, Anne Ross, Head Coach Kathy Bartholow
Varsity Boys Basketball
First row: Jesse Bracken (manager), Asst. Coach David Tasselli, Head Coach Troy Verner, Charles Hine (manager) Second row: Jimmy McLenigan, Jeremy Wagoner, Chris Deadwiler, Jhorden Cheadle, Ryan Deivert, Brian Hertneky, Dustin Brown, Adam Duty, Blaise Jugan, Derek Possumato
JV Boys Basketball
First row: Jesse Bracken (manager), Head Coach David Tasselli, Charles Hine (manager) Second row: Jesse Bracken (manager), Head Coach David Tasselli, Charles Hine (manager) Antonio Carr, Bradley Speck, Michael Celesnik, Zachary Rouse, Blaise Jugan, Ryan Toth, Chris Deadwiler, Joshua Sivak, Shay Reeves, Alex Cherpak, Louis Morrone
Little Cubs
Front: Alexis Goshaw, Jenna D’ Amore, Sierra Woodford, Grace Benham, Alyssa Goshaw Back: Destiny Tanner, Summer Olszewski, Rose Santucci,Cassie Friday, Krista Foster, Danielle Fisher Missing from photo: Amanda Nagy
Mighty Mites Basketball
Front row: Jenna D’Amore, Ethan Kibe, Danielle Fisher Middle Row: Head coach George D’Amore, Alexandra Francis, Cheyenne Sloan, Dylan Zurawski, Tori Reeves, Rose Santucci, Head Coach Anthony Dumblosky Back Row: R.J. Fisher, Chad D’Amore, Antoine Hunter, Kyle D’Amore, Kyle Keracher
Middle School Basketball Seth Reeves
Dajion Dixon
Megan Majocha
Michael Weber
Asa Heirendt
Stephon Trowell
Kathryn Holtzman
George D’Amore
Tony Dumblosky
Cheerleaders
Front: Kelsey Fike Back: Coach Venita Smith, Ashlyn Goforth, Samantha Beaford, Adsila Lloyd, Shirley Shirk, Stellena Hargrove, Sabreen Reza, Coach Rosie Noschese
Seniors Samantha Beaford, Ashlyn Goforth, Sabreen Reza, and Stellena Hargrove
Track
Senior Recognition Night
Javauna Arce with Linda and Bill Smith
Donna, Samantha, Barry, and Rebecca Boothby
John and Anne Ross
Samantha Beaford with Cargie and Sue Pardee
Martha, Rachel, and David Hutchinson Shabana, Sabreen, and Ahmed Reza
Aunt Lisa with Stellena and Stephanie Hargrove
Ashlyn Goforth with Kathy, Destin, and David Ferguson
Laurel, Andrea, and Christian Echavarria
Jean, Jimmy, and Joe McLenigan
Adam and Gloria Duty
DJ Lance, Erica, Jhorden Cheadle, and David Musy
Danielle, Nancy, Derek, and Dave Possumato
Thomas, Brian, and Susan Hertneky
Todd Behanna and Kurt Padua
Todd Behanna and Chris Deadwiler
Josh, Stacey, and Braden Hundertmark with Patsy and Ronna Goldberg with Jeremy Wagoner
Activities
Yearbook Staff
Front Row (Left to Right): Jennifer Nichol (Copy Editor-Staff section), Javauna Arce (Copy Editor-Senior section), Back Row (Left to Right): Charles Hine (Copy Editor-Current events), Ryan Toth (Copy EditorStudent section), Brian Hertneky (Business Manager), Adam Duty (Copy Editor-Sports section), Kurt Padua (Copy Editor-Activities section)
Advisor: Monica Papa
(Left to Right): Dustin Brown, April Smith, Jhorden Cheadle, Samantha Beaford, Kayla Irvin and The Silencer Advisors: Bonnie Banas, John Foust, Tony DiMenno
Battle Bots
Front row: Stellena Hargrove, Ashlyn Goforth Back row: Alan Majocha (Advisor), Adam Duty, Jimmy McLenigan, Jeremy Wagoner, Brian Hertneky, Wendy Payne-Craig (Advisor)
Seniors Front row: Linda Langer (Advisor), Ryan Toth (Vice President), Tiffany Putt (President), Charleka Grubb (Secretary) Back row: Ryan Deivert (Treasurer), Yuri Tokarek (Sergeant-at-Arms), Brian Slavinsky (Advisor)
Juniors
Front row: Kelsey Fike, Blaise Jugan, Boston Campbell, Antonio Carr, Amanda Capone Back row: Michael Prezioso, Kathy Betz (Advisors)
Sophomores
Left to Right: Cassandra Beveridge (Advisor), Samantha Boothby, Emily McCamey, Tiffany Putt, Ashlyn Goforth, Jhorden Cheadle, Rachel Hutchinson, Stellena Hargrove, Amy Dent (Advisor), Derek Possumato
SignShine
SBG Front row: Adam Duty (President), Jeremy Wagoner (Vice-President), Middle row: Rachel Hutchinson (Sergeant-at-arms), Tiffany Putt (Treasurer) Back row: Amy Dent (Advisor), Wendy Payne-Craig (Advisor), Paula Busanic
October 17-18. 2008
Homecoming King and Queen: Jimmy McLenigan and Ashlyn Goforth
Homecoming 2008-2009
Close up
January 17-23, 2009
Emily McCamey and Sabreen Reza Advisors: Amy Dent and Gary Freilino
Front Row (Left to Right): Derek Possumato, Michael Weber, Briana Wozniak Back Row (Left to Right): Michael Celesnik, Blaise Jugan, Brian Hertneky, Jeremy Wagoner
Chess Club
Front Row (left to Right): Amanda Capone, Derek Possumato, Joanna Cernicky, Emily McCamey Back Row (Left to Right): Briana Wozniak, Haley Walker, Jeremy Wagoner, Sabreen Reza, Julie Mountain (Advisor)
Academic Bowl
Front Row: Megan Eighmey, Hayley Walker, Emily Bach, Brianna Storino, Kelsey Fike, Back Row: Christie Homell (Advisor), Boston Campbell, Tiffany Putt, Rachel Hutchinson, Ashlyn Goforth, Stellena Hargrove, Samantha Boothby, Erin McNeil Mascaro (Advisor)
GAA
December 8, 2008
Pageant
Mr. & Ms. WPSD: Blaise Jugan and Maggie Donaldson
Deaf Teen America Pageant Detroit, Michigan April 8-12, 2009
Advisors: Rosie Noschese and Kathy Betz
Language LAB
ILP (Left to Right): Chris Deadwiler, Andrea Echavarria, Kurt Padua, Jeremy Wagoner, Adam Duty, Tiffany Putt, Javauna Arce, Rachel Hutchinson, Charles Hine, Samantha Boothby
Dorm Council
May 3-8, 2009 Glenn Myers, Shannon McAleavey, Shay Reeves Advisors: Erin McNeil-Mascaro, Sandi Kitchen
Front Row (Left to Right): Megan Eighmey, Boston Campbell, Tiffany Putt, Adam Duty, Rachel Hutchinson, and Antonio Carr Back Row (Left to right): Bradley Speck, Dajion Dixon, Kathryn Holtzman, Cassie Friday, Brister Campbell, Jimmy McLenigan Advisors: David Zurawski and Linda McKay
Space Camp
Front Row (Left to Right): Megan Majocha, Rachel Campion, Melissa Shirk, Kathryn Holtzman Second Row (Left to Right): Shannon McAleavey, Jalen Jenkins, Jessica Gould, Destiny Quarles Third Row (Left to Right): DeOntae White, Jennifer Megela, Phiat Ounn Back Row (Left to Right Advisors): Sue McAdoo, Mary Ann Stefko, Deborah Remis
Mini SignShine Ceramics Club (Left to Right): Kathryn Holtzman, Shania Williams, Krista Foster, Jia Fei Reeves, Seth Reeves Missing from picture-Emily Reno Advisors: Donna Weiss, Frances Jolly
Dear Jimmy, We have so many memories of you growing up. Dino-Roar and Blue Bear, Legos and Transformers and Hot Wheels, Mouse Man and Eagle D, Mr. Sando and your space shuttle project, swim classes and Whitemarsh Basketball and martial arts, CCD and First implant surgery. It was hard for us to make the decision to send you to WPSD but boy, how you blossomed! You’ve accomplished so much----playing in three sports, winning Mr. WPSD and then First Runner-UP in the 2007 Deaf Teen America Pageant, peer mentor, ILP, National Technical Honor Society, Student Body Government President, Homecoming King and that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Australia with your Junior class. You’ve grown into a fine young man and words can’t describe how proud we are of you.
All our love, Mom and Dad
Adam, May your journey through life be filled with laughter and love, hope and a hand to hold onto. I am so very proud of you! Love, Mom
Cong
rat u l
atio n
s Jav
au na
!!!
God sent us an Angel from above and it was-You ! ! Now you are Our Special Angel And we are so Proud of you ! ! You are kind, sweet, gentle and full of love. It seems like yesterday you were this tiny baby, and now look at you all grown up. And through the years you have taught us a lot. Now our prayers for you is to continue to grow, and give the world what you have given us. YOU CAN DO IT ! ! GO ! SAM !
Love, Mom and Dad and Sis. Love, Mum-Mum and Pap Paw Love, Pappy Cho-cho
Derek- ( old German name meaning athletic and energetic)
It’s so hard to believe that your graduation day has arrived. It just seemed like yesterday when we brought you home from the hospital to complete our family. We are so proud of the young man that you have become and all of your accomplishments over the years. You never cease to amaze us. You are a wonderful son and brother. Never forget that no matter where life takes you, be yourself always and good things will come to you. Love, Mom, Dad and Danielle
Rachel Nineteen years have passed so quickly. It is hard to believe that our little girl is now grown into a young lady and is looking at the future. You have had the opportunity to live in different areas, visit places that only some can dream of, and have made friends all over the world. Now that this portion of your life is ending and a new portion is beginning, you will be able to use all of your past experiences to build your future. Love, Mom and Dad
Rachel,
I am very proud of you and everything you have accomplished. You are a wonderful sister, daughter and friend and I cannot wait to see all the wonderful things you have coming to you. You possess many talents and they will take you very far in life, I am confident that anything you decide to pursue will bring you lots of happiness and joy. Congratulations! Love, Your bro, Tyler
Congratulations Sabreen ! We’re so blessed to have such a wonderful, bubbly, intelligent, loving and beautiful daughter. For you High School may be over, but your education still continues and we look forward to following your accomplishments and achievements as you continue to grow and learn. Love, Mom and Dad
Adam, Congratulations! We are so proud of you! Dream big and you can accomplish anything. We love you! Love,
Tom, Sherri, Alyssa, Carly and James
One of many best memories. We all went to Australia Zoo. This Zoo showed all different animals that are from Australia. They all were amazing and I really enjoyed looking around. The best part was to be able to walk though Kangaroos park. We all got to feed and pet Kangaroos. We all even go the chance to watch the Crocodile show which was amazing. A zookeeper tosses the food into the crocodiles mouth and he was so close to the crocodile! Everything at the Australia Zoo was magnificent!!!
Adam Duty
Kurt,
God made you very special and gave you to us to take care. We taught you that you can do anything you try to do or want to do. You have special talents that will take you far in life. We are so proud of you. Love, Dad, Mom, Karl and Zach
My favorite memories in Australia are Sydney Tower, surfing, and the Australia Zoo. I loved seeing the city and ocean from Sydney Tower. The view was so beautiful. I think the Sydney Tower is over 300 meters.
Kurt Padua
Charlie Congratulations on your graduation! We know you have much more to accomplish in life and we will be there to cheer you on every step of the way. You make us all so proud! Love, Daddy, Coco, Billy, Sara, Tommy & Emily
Brian,
Congratulations! It has been a joy watching you become a handsome young man. You have had many wonderful experiences that have helped to prepare you for a bright future. We wish you all the best and send you all of our love, Mom, Dad and Jonathan
Andrea, GOD has given you a wonderful gift: He gave you your love of art. He gave you your artistic talent. He gave you happiness when you paint. He gave you special eyes to see details and colors. He gave you the ability to paint detailed drawings and colorful paintings. He gave you the special language of art to express yourself. But more importantly, he gave you the dream to be a famous artist and a family who believes that someday you will achieve your dream. Mom, Dad, Lauren, Alex, Granddaddy, Mutti, La Mami, Tia Anita, Tio Guille, Dani and Simon love you very much and are very proud of you. Congratulations on your graduation from high school and good luck in college.
Ashlyn
Where has all the time gone. It seems like yesterday you were giving me that red bendy Santa Claus toy to play with. I remember how sweet you were learning the Oscar Meyer wiener song and then watching you try out for the commercial. Now look at you... a beautiful and remarkable your woman. I know I hate to admit it but my how you have grown. Even though I now have to let you go I cant help but still see that little girl that needs my help. I still see those curt little hands learning to sign. The days and years have flown by so fast. As you get ready for the next stage in life I know you will be successful in everything you do. God will be with you every step of the way. And no matter where life leads you know that I am always her for you. You will always be my little angel and Daddy’s little girl. I thank God for the gift He gave me...A precious little angel girl...and the chance to be her dad. I love you Ashlyn. I have loved you from the moment I first saw you and I always will. Daddy
To my Angel, Words cannot express what a blessing you are to me. I cherish every moment I have with you. I have always been so proud of you. I have watched you grow from that tiny, chubby cheeked lil angel with bug blue eyes and a smile that would melt my heart, to a strong beautiful amazing your woman. I have sweet memories of laying cuddled up with you in bed playing our fingerspelling game, to laughing and talking with you about school and friends and boys... and I know that we have so many more memories to make. This is a new part of your life, you now are in control. I have no doubt that you can and will do anything you desire. In times of struggle, you have amazed me, you never allowed anything to hold you back for long. That beautiful stubborn spirit God gave you will continue to get you through when you want to quit. Never give up, never accept less than you deserve, work hard and keep God as your best friend. Always remember to keep dreaming big. Never forget...I believe in you, and I love you with all of my heart. No matter what you try to say, I loved you first...and I love you more! Momma
G’day mates! Let me tell ya’ll a story about my best memory of our trip to Australia. What I didn’t know was that I would go to a famous zoo someday. Visiting the Australia Zoo was a very exciting time and a very wonderful experience for me. I got the chance to see all the crocodiles at the zoo that I had seen on “The Crocodile Hunter”. I also got to see several other animals, especially the ones we don’t have in America, which are the Kangaroos, wombats, and Koala bears. I will never forget that day at the Australia Zoo!
Emily McCamey
It was my first time to ride in an airplane to Australia. Australia is very beautiful. The beach it very nice and cool. I have wonderful memories of the Australian students. I will never forget about Australia.
Samantha Boothby