MPDHH students compete in academic bowl

Margaret Reekie, coach; Todd Higgins, director; Ramone Tirado Valez, Central HS;
Rebecca Bailey, Memorial HS; Roberta J. Cordano, president of Gallaudet University;
Ashley Durham, Memorial HS;
Brandon LaJoie, MST; Lori Mclaren, coach; Kathy Vesey, retired  director

High school students in Manchester's Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing participated in the 20th Annual East Regional Academic Bowl in Maryland last month. Sponsored by Gallaudet University, the Academic Bowl for Deaf and Hard of Hearing High School students was established with the goal of fostering the pursuit of academic excellence, promoting a spirit of academic competition and sportsmanship, and providing social opportunities for the development of collegiality and lifelong friendships.

The four students representing Manchester won five of their nine matches! Ashley Durham, a junior from Memorial, received one of the six "All Star Player" awards.  We are so proud of her and all the players' efforts during the competition.

The team also had the opportunity to meet with Gallaudet University president Roberta J. Cordano and a university admissions counselor to discuss their future plans and all the opportunities available to them at Gallaudet.

The Academic Bowl experience allows our students to see the world of possibilities in transitioning from high school to higher education or career.