Texas School for the Deaf Alumni Association

Old TSD

westes — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:28:25 +0000

Dr. Steve Baldwin – Winner of 2012 Barbara Jordan Media Award

westes — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:58:42 +0000

Dr. Steve Baldwin – Winner of 2012 Barbara Jordan Media Award

Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) is proud to acknowledge former Educator, Curator and Historian, Dr. Steve Baldwin – recently recognized by the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities with a Barbara Jordan Media Award (BJMA) for his exhibit that celebrated the 225th birthday of Erastus “Deaf” Smith at the Texas capitol in 2012.

Texas School for the Deaf Salutes Former Educator, Curator and Historian – Dr. Steve Baldwin – Winner of 2012 Barbara Jordan Media Award

Austin, Texas – April 11, 2013 – Baldwin – among winners in categories including writing, television, photojournalism, print and online media – received the 2012 BJMA for his special contribution by an individual.

Representing the work of eight artists from different periods and different mediums, Baldwin’s exhibit meticulously chronicled the contributions by famous deaf Texan, Erastus “Deaf” Smith – a spy, scout and soldier during the Texas Revolution. Baldwin’s work featured various historic paintings, photos, knives, a curious street sign, video and a wax figure of Smith himself. The exhibit was on display in the Capitol {ground floor} rotunda during April 2012.

Award recipients was honored at the Barbara Jordan Media Awards Ceremony dinner Saturday, April 13, at College Park Center on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington, 7:00 p.m.
Baldwin was a teacher at TSD from 1990-2008.

For more, visit: http://governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/awards/barbara_jordan_media_awards/.

7th Annual Diamond Chefs Gala

westes — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:15:33 +0000

Texas School for the Deaf Foundation

7th Annual Diamond Chefs Gala

Save the Date!

Thursday, May 23, 2013 ~ Hilton Austin – 500 East Fourth Street, Austin, Texas

Come Kick up Your Heels at the Annual Diamond Chef’s Gala “Boots & Bling!”

An evening of wine-paired fine dining, entertainment and fun.

All funds support the Texas School for the Deaf!

Boots & Bling

TSDF Diamond Gala features a silent auction

Texas School for the Deaf is one of the premiere schools of its kind in the country. We are a “Child First” school, renowned for our world-class education, outreach, and student development programs.

The TSD Foundation works to raise funds to improve the education and lives of the students we serve. Your investment in the TSD Foundation will allow TSD to meet the needs of a growing numbers of students with additional disabilities, bring current technology to the classrooms and enable more deaf and hard of hearing infants to receive early intervention through TSD’s outreach program and to support families across the state.

You’ll run into a few cowboys at the TSDF Diamond Gala

Join us in KICKING UP YOUR HEELS and Support TSD!

KICK UP YOUR HEELS

When: Thursday, May 23, 2013

Where: Hilton Austin, 500 East Fourth Street

A beautiful evening of fine dining with wine pairings

Featuring TSD Culinary Arts Students

Dancing, Silent and Live Auction!

…and of course inspirational speeches at the TSDF Diamond Gala

5:30 Cocktails, Entertainment & Silent Auction

Hors d’Oeuvres*Open Bar

7:00 Dinner with Wine Pairings

Prepared by TSD Culinary Arts Students

and Diamond Chef Mark Dayanadan, Hilton Austin

Silent & Live Auction

Dancing

Entertainment by TSD Students

$125/person / $200/couple / $1,500/Table

Attire: Texas Cocktail Chic

Adults Only

Website: https://tsdfoundation.org/diamond

For more information call: 512-462-5750 or email: info@tsdfoundation.org

TSD Boys Basketball Team named 2013 National Deaf Basketball Team of the Year

westes — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:52:57 +0000

TSD Boys Basketball Team named 2013 National Deaf Basketball Team of the Year
Following a remarkable season with 19 wins and a Bi-district championship in the Texas TAPPS Division, sports editor, Barry Strassler, today named the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) Rangers DeafDigest Sports’ 2013 Boys Basketball Team of the Year.

Austin, Texas – February 28, 2013 Following a remarkable season with 19 wins and a Bi-district championship in the Texas TAPPS Division, sports editor, Barry Strassler, today named the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD) Rangers DeafDigest Sports’ 2013 Boys Basketball Team of the Year.

On the road to the Texas’ TAPPS Division state play-offs, the Rangers – for the fist time since 1993-94 – advanced to the area game and pulled it out with a winning shot at the buzzer against Giddings State School, placing second in the 2013 SoCo Classic invitational tournament. TSD took second place in District, beating Brentwood Christian in a tiebreaker, and then walked over Bracken Christian to advance to the state finals.

In 2012-2013, among other schools for the Deaf, TSD prevailed at home against southwest rivals at the 2012 Ranger Classic, showing great strength and amazing teamwork on the court.

TSD Head Coach, Chris Hamilton, gives all the credit to the players. “I must extend kudos to the team for believing in themselves enough to play hard in every game, he said. We are 100% a different team from what we started out with. I’m amazed at how strong they played all season long, and every player contributed to the success in this season.

Also, he acknowledges his assistant coaches. “I also am fortunate to have such outstanding assistant coaches – Marwan Elrakabawy and RJ Kaufman – who worked so hard and believed in this team as much as I do. Hamilton adds, I truly tip my hat off to them as well.

It’s an honor to be named Team of the Year, Hamilton says. Strassler has followed Deaf schools’ athletics closely for many years, and the Deaf community respects his extreme knowledge of sports, so this is something that means a lot to us,” adds Hamilton.

http://www.tsd.state.tx.us/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=296923&id=0

Jimmie “Jim” James Harvey Scoggins

westes — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 20:28:28 +0000

Jimmie “Jim” James Harvey Scoggins, age 83, noted Texan architect, commercial realtor, private pilot, artist and staunch advocate for Deaf rights passed away peacefully on February, 15, 2013, surrounded by his loved ones. Born November 24, 1929 in Stephens, Arkansas, Jim’s family moved to Texas when he was one week old. He graduated in 1947 from David Crockett High School in Conroe, Texas and went on to study Fine Arts at Mary Hardin-Baylor University in Belton, Texas. In 1948, he enlisted with the U.S. Air Force, became a chaplain and then served in the Korean War, where he served until 1952. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force as a staff sergeant with bronze star honors, Jim enrolled at the School of Architecture, University of Texas in Austin, fulfilling his lifelong dream to become an architect. While there, he saw a job posting for a part-time resident advisor at the Texas School for the Deaf in Austin, where he added a new dimension to his life by acquiring American Sign Language skills, also honed while teaching football to 40 deaf middle school students. This led to his later commitment to advocacy on behalf of the Deaf community on the local, state, national and international levels. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Texas in 1957, then passed the architectural exam for the state in 1960 and moved to Irving, Texas in the same year. He continued his pursuit of excellence by taking up architectural design studies at the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico. Jim ran a very successful architectural firm in Irving, Texas with partner Doug Reid Grogan, who passed away recently. Among the many commissions of Grogan and Scoggins from 1965 to 1985 were the current Irving City Hall, numerous churches, commercial buildings, public schools, personal residences, shopping centers and projects across North Texas. From 1985 to 1993, he practiced as Jim Scoggins, & Partners, Architects. While the bulk of his work was in North Texas, Jim also worked in California. In 1993, he retired and continued to work as an architectural consultant. At the time of his death, he served on a committee for the construction of a new police facility in Jonestown, Texas. Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board, Jim received Architect Emeritus designation by the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners in 2002; he was also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Dallas and Inland California chapters, and the Texas Society of Architects. Among Jim’s many architectural honors included merit and design awards from the AIA, Texas Society of Architects, the Dallas Chapter of AIA, the International Hotel and Restaurant Association, the American Association of School Boards and the American Association of School Administrators. He was also recognized by the Texas Association of School Boards and the Texas Association of School Administrators. While in Irving, Jim served on the Chamber of Commerce Junior Advisory Board and Local Affairs Committee, the Traffic Safety Commission and the Downtown Preservation Committee. His many roles included service as chair of the Joint Planning Group and the Fire Zone Study Committee. He was also chair of the Society of Irving Architects, vice president of Irving Aid, Creator of the Safety Town for children, and Honorary Chief of Police. Jim was also elected official to the Dallas County Community College District Board of Trustees for seven years, during which time five out of seven colleges were built. He served as president of the Texas Association of Junior College Board Members and Administrators, as state chair of the American Association of Community College Trustees and as a member of the Dallas Baptist College Board of Trustees. While advancing his professional career, Jim was a fierce defender of the human and educational rights of Deaf persons and worked in partnership with Deaf community leaders and members. He attained national certification as an American Sign Language interpreter and went on to serve as elected president of the Texas Society of Interpreters for the Deaf, affiliated with the national Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. He was instrumental in legislation that led to the creation of the Texas Commission for the Deaf in 1971, now known as the Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services within the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services. Subsequently he served on the state commission and received recognition by the Texas Association of the Deaf. Jim also served as interpreter and state coordinator for a seven-state Billy Graham Crusade tour, formed the Baptist Center for the Deaf, and chaired several international fundraising efforts to benefit Deaflympics athletes through his involvement with the Kiwanis Club of Irving, Texas. Beyond his formal roles working in partnership with the Deaf community, Jim was beloved for his community building efforts through coordination of deaf social activities, e.g., softball teams, captioned movies and venison cookouts. He gave generously of his time and resources to those in need. For example, he helped create special memories for deaf children and adults by offering rides on his Harley Davidson motorcycle; he also invited families to his house on July 20, 1969 to watch the famous “man on the moon” moment on television – Jim interpreted so that they, too, could share in the historic excitement. Jim was an architect, in more ways than one. He was an exceptional person of many talents and interests – the consummate lifelong learner, always including others with a twinkle in his eyes and a welcoming aura, generating smiles all around. His visionary prowess was evident throughout his many life endeavors – he was a source of inspiration, always ready to engage, nurture and mentor others in converting dreams to reality. He was quick to respond to requests for help, with no questions asked – to strangers and friends alike. Always quick to thank people, he showed genuine appreciation to all who contributed to the success of joint endeavors. Deeply proud of his two sons, Jim is remembered as a father and man who gave generously to them and to everyone so that all would have a better existence and for inspiring ethical, clear decision making in their lives. An aficionado of the arts and architectural history and a classic car enthusiast, Jim took pride in his 1958 Corvette convertible, toured the U.S. with family and friends on his 1949 Panhead Harley Davidson and many cycles he owned during his lifetime, shared his love of flying as a private Cessna pilot, sold commercial real estate, and rooted for the Dallas Cowboys. Well-loved by many for his kind soul and gentle nature, Jim doted on Bobbie Beth Bridges, who he married in 1978, and their shared love story of over 35 years is one that bridged families, languages, communities and countries. Jim was deeply engaged with his extended family, professional and civic colleagues and a wide circle of friends including those with whom he was involved in church-related endeavors. At the time of his death, he was immersed in research to identify sign language in medieval and renaissance works of art and structural adornments across the globe. Jim was preceded in death by his father and mother, Wisdom Young Scoggins, Sr. and Viva Elizabeth Carpenter Scoggins, one brother and two sisters. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Bobbie Beth Scoggins of Jonestown; his son, Marrk Wisdom Scoggins and wife, Patricia Scoggins of Euless; his son, Michael Eugene Scoggins and wife, Danita Wallace Scoggins of Middletown, Ohio. With his wife, Jim is also survived by their daughter Kizzie Bridges Pomilio and husband, Nicola Pomilio of Rome, Italy, and their son Brandon Bridges and wife Sonia Bridges of Austin. His extended family includes eight grandchildren and a great grandson: Whitney Marie Scoggins, William Wallace Scoggins, James Michael Scoggins, Wayne Pomilio, Kyle Pomilio, Ariana Olivia Bridges, Finnley Lloyd Bridges, Ruby Ann Beth Bridges and Cayden Wisdom Scoggins. He is also survived by his sister, Annette Vincent of Sulphur Springs, Louisiana and his nephew, Stan Stover of College Station; and his mother in law Margie Lee Bridges of Jonestown. The family requests in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the “Jim Scoggins Deaf Education Advocacy Memorial Fund” and sent to Bobbie Beth Scoggins, 8504 Tip Top Drive, Jonestown, TX 78645. The purpose of this fund is to further public policy issues on the international, national, state and local levels related to Deaf education. In recent years, Jim supported educational advocacy efforts by the National Association of the Deaf and the Knowledge Center on Deafness, so the memorial fund in his honor has been created with these groups in mind. A memorial service celebrating the life of Jim Scoggins will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 6, 2013 followed by a light reception, at the First Baptist Church, 403 South Main Street, Irving, Texas. To inquire further, call 512-815-7476 (v).

Published on yourconroenews.com from February 28 to March 13, 2013

International Studies Class Fundraiser

westes — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 03:37:49 +0000

International Studies Class Fundraiser
Texas School for the Deaf provides opportunities for our students by offering International Studies class that promotes culture enrichment outside of the United States. Our last fundraising effort will be the auction on Wednesday, February 20th.

This year, seven high school students are currently taking an International Studies course focusing on Panama which covers different topics including geography, history, people, food, language, and many more under the instruction of Jennifer Campero, High School Teacher.
We will be going on an educational trip to Panama on Friday, March 8th and return on Tuesday, March 19th. We will be guided by a several deaf Panamanians including a Kuna woman. We will have the opportunity to visit her tribe near San Blas. This trip schedule also includes a visit to a deaf club, a deaf-owned sugar farm owned by a deaf person, the Panama Canal and a hike up on the Volcano Baru.
The best part of the trip for the students probably would be being greeted by different monkeys at the Monkey Island. We may go bananas afterwards! Each student has to pay $2,250 for this trip. Our last fundraising effort will be the auction on Wednesday, February 20th.
The students will provide a Panamanian legend performance before the Auction. Joel Barish from Deaf Nation will attend as our guest speaker. Your support to this event will help the students to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience! Come with your $$ and start bidding!

http://www.tsd.state.tx.us/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=294373&id=0

Your Support Needed!

westes — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:23:55 +0000

Hello Parents, Alumnus, Family Members, Relatives, and Supporters of Texas School for the Deaf,

We had a successful testimony before the Senate Finance Committee last Jan 24th and now we are having another opportunity to testify again but this time it will be before the Committee from the House of Reps.

So, this will be the 2nd one this year and we need your help again. We need more people to show up to show support.

You can help by:

Showing up
Bringing more bodies (friends, relatives, etc.)
Spread this word to others

We will give you stickers “I Love TSD” to wear so they can see who you represent. We have already selected some parents to testify so all you need to do is to show up. The more people show up, the better.

It will be at 7:30 AM on Monday, Feb. 18th at a different location near the Texas Capitol. If you want to attend, please contact me at robert.giuntoli@gmail.com

We know it’s early in the morning but it’s for a darn good cause! Our future generations of Deaf kids at TSD needs your help!

TSD and TSD PTA thanks you all for your support,

Robert “RG” Giuntoli
Chair of TSD PTA Legislative Affairs

TSD School Website: www.tsd.state.tx.us TSD PTA Website (new): www.tsdparents.org

Motorcycle Events

westes — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 16:40:58 +0000

Hi Biker,

I have about 20 current bikers in Texas that I have rode with them. I have about 40-50 bikers contact me in the email. Any of you interest or know someone who like to ride with us in the Hills or Rally or Meeting. Let me know and I will keep contact you in the future.

I will host the big deaf USA Biker event in the future. Few years ago I have a great time to ride with 75 bikers in other State. Possible more than 100 bikers in 2015. We will Round-Up this year for the Fun Run.

Let us ride!

CONTACT PERSON NAME: Fred Goebel
CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: deaftexasbiker@yahoo.com

TSD PTA needs you! 2nd Testimony – Austin

westes — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:33:49 +0000

TSD PTA needs you! 2nd Testimony – Austin

Hello Parents, Alumnus, Family Members, Relatives, and Supporters of Texas School for the Deaf,

We had a successful testimony before the Senate Finance Committee last January 24, 2013 and now we are having another opportunity to testify again but this time it will be before the Committee from the House of Reps.

So, this will be the 2nd one this year and we need your help again. We need more people to show up to show support.

You can help by:

* Showing up
* Bringing more bodies (friends, relatives, etc.)
* Spread this word to others

It will be at 7:30 AM on Monday, February 18th at a different location near the Texas Capitol. If you want to attend, please contact me at robert.giuntoli@gmail.com and I will send you the directions to the location.

We know its early in the morning but it’s for a darn good cause! Our future generations of Deaf kids at TSD needs your help!

TSD and TSD PTA thanks you all for your support,

Robert “RG” Giuntoli
Chair of TSD PTA Legislative Affairs

TSD School Website: http://www.tsd.state.tx.us
TSD PTA Website (new): http://www.tsdparents.org

westes — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:21:05 +0000