Recognizing the Potential, Achieving the DreamDoug’s mom toured St. Rita School for the Deaf during Doug’s sophomore year of high school because he was

struggling in his public school. The understanding of curriculum content was getting increasingly more diffi -cult for him as was his understanding of his teachers and peers because sign language was not used and there was a lack of academic supports.

After touring the school and meet-ing Doug, St. Rita School for the Deaf determined that with a smaller class size, learning American Sign Language, and off ering additional academic supports, Doug could be successful in the St. Rita environment and later on in a hearing world. St. Rita worked hard as a team

to meet Doug’s needs and he started to show great improvements in language and other academic areas.

During Doug’s senior year of high school, he applied for a program through his local school district to continue his education after high school. Unfortunately, Doug was not accepted into the program but St. Rita believed in Doug and saw his potential.

Doug enrolled into the Career Plus Program at St. Rita School for the Deaf to learn employability skills and life skills for independent living. The intensive 2 year program includes one-on-one instruction on how to budget, fi ll out various applications, understand specifi c vocabulary related to work experience, and advocate for themselves. All educational materials and instruction is provided in a comprehensive communication environment including sign language providing students direct access to class material. The program prepares students for competitive employment in the hearing world. On-site and off -site work experiences mirror the diversity of workplaces in our community with the assistance of a job coach/interpreter.

Doug continues on page 3

IN THIS ISSUE:

2 Dear Friends3 Annual Dream Makers Scholarship Benefi t3 Local Businesses Contribute to Success4 1720 Club5 Pat Sweeney Golf Classic6 Memorial Program

St. Rita worked hard as a team to meet Doug’s needs and he started to show great improvements in language and other academic areas.

DDffyyy

1DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.

FALL 2017

Dear Friends,For the past several weeks, we have been celebrating the beginning of a new school year. How wonderful it was to see the smiling faces of our students walking in the front door prepared to immerse themselves in their studies and to be reacquainted with their teachers and classmates.

In this edition of our Advocate, I want to tell you about an exciting program we off er to our high school students called Career Plus. This program allows students who have fi nished the 12th grade to continue

their education for an additional one to two years with the focus on working in the community while developing a job skill in an area of interest, learning how to fi ll out an application, and practicing interview techniques and money management. The primary focus is for the students to leave the program with necessary job skills for successful competitive employment.

Doug, who completed the program in June, is now working his dream job for a landscaping com-pany. Within his fi rst week, he was already driving one of the company trucks and has already received a salary increase. Molly, who is quite artistic, would like to be a fl oral de-signer or a cake designer in a bakery. She is now working at a local bakery and trying out her artistic skills deco-

rating cupcakes, cakes and cookies. Her next job will be working with a fl orist to develop her skills in fl oral arrangement.

The Career Plus is one of the many exciting happenings at the school. As always, we are grate-ful for your support of our students

and programs. I am also proud and grateful to all of our teachers, staff and therapists for their dedication and service to our students.

Sincerely,Sr. Marianne Van VurstPresident

Kudos for Career Plus“The Career Plus program is a win-win opportunity for any corporation. Over the last three years, it has pro-vided our company and team mem-bers with the unique opportunity to engage with students who are deaf or have communication needs. It makes our team stronger and better leaders. Additionally, it’s rewarding to know that we’re helping these young adults to develop the real-world skills and experience they need to begin their careers. As a General Manager and HR director, I highly recommend the program and the students of SRSD to any organization.”

Chris SchlichterGroup Sales, Inc.

“Partnering with St. Rita’s on the Career Plus program has been a won-derful experience for all of our staff members. Having the opportunity to enrich the lives of these students

by instructing them in the ways of our craft has been an awesome and humbling experience. I think that this journey has taught us more about life than anyone ever anticipated.”

Doug Craven, Shop ManagerIacono Company

“It has been such a pleasure work-ing with St. Rita’s and your Career Plus program! Above and beyond the experience of giving back to the community, the students that we have had working with us have brought an incredible enthusiasm into their experience in our shop. To be able to assist your students with real-world work experience and help them in their future en-deavors is an honor that we do not take lightly. Thank you very much for allowing us this opportunity!”

Matt Waldenmeyer, Director of Operation, Iacono Company

and cookies. king with a

and programs. I ama also proud and grateful to all of our teachers, staff

cookies and programs I am also proud and

2

Local Businesses Contribute to the Success of St. Rita StudentsA huge thank you to local businesses in the community for providing our high school and Career Plus stu-dents with an opportunity to learn on-site job skills to enhance the students’ resumes and give them experiences they can use in every-day life. Without the support of local businesses, our students would

not be able to achieve their dreams and become productive members of society. To learn more about how you can help support the Career Plus program or provide an oppor-tunity to our students please contact Natalie Marsh, 7–12+ Principal at nmarsh@srsdeaf.org or by calling 513.771.7600 ext. 384.

Thanks to the following businesses for recognizing each student’s potential and helping our students achieve their dreams:• Iacona• Group Sales, Inc• LaRosa’s• Gorman Heritage Farm• Bonnie Lynn Bakery

Save the Date for the

Annual Dream Makers Scholarship BenefitNovember 18, 2017 • 6:30pm–10:30pm

benefiting the students of St. Rita School for the Deaf and Honoring Dream Makers

Dr. Richard and JoAnn Lamping

For more information please call 513.771.7600 ext. 324or email hdurkin@srsdeaf.org

www.srsdeaf.org

Through many conversations and experiences, Doug expressed that his dream job was to work at a local landscaping company so he could earn money and help support his family. After researching companies, practicing his interviewing skills, and fi lling out applications, Doug was hired at a local landscaping company before his completion of the Career Plus Program. The local landscaping company’s owner was deaf himself and was excited to have Doug on board.

This past May, Doug offi cially received his high school diploma and had a full time job. While there were many tears at his ceremony, there were also very proud moments for Doug, the staff , and his family. The potential is there for every student; we need to open our eyes and believe as only then is it achievable and dreams come true.

Doug continued from page 1

3DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.

St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Fall 2017

1720 ClubPlease consider joining the 1720 Club. It’s not an exclusive club

and you don’t have to meet any special criteria.

The 1720 Club is a year-long raffl e, named for our campus address. It’s also the amount of cash you can win each month:

• Raffl e tickets go into the drawing and remain there for one calendar year.• On the last business day of each month winning tickets are drawn for a total of $1720 in monthly prizes: 5 winners for prizes of $1000, $300, $200, $120, and $100.• Winners are notifi ed by mail with a check enclosed.• Winning tickets are returned to the hopper allowing Club members the opportunity to win again.

Special BONUS Drawings:Early Bird: December 8, 2017 • $5,000Spring Ahead: March 9, 2018 • $1,720Fall Back: November 9, 2018 • $1,720

Tickets are on sale now for the 2018 calendar year.1 for $25 • 3 for $50 • 9 for $75

Purchasing tickets for the 1720 Club provides tuition assistance to students, small class sizes, support staff including

speech and language pathologists and audiologist, and most importantly access to direct communication.

Yes, Enroll Me in the Club!

Name

Address

City, State, Zip

Phone ( )

Email

Enclosed you will fi nd my payment in the amount of $ for tickets.

Credit Card (All cards accepted) Exp Date CVV

Account #

No donation required, but our ministry depends upon and mailings and events.

4

Annual Pat Sweeney Memorial Golf Classic A SuccessDreary weather didn’t hold anyone back from supporting our students on August 4th at Glenview Golf Course. 68 golfers gathered to tee off to support the students of St. Rita and to honor Pat Sweeney.

Pat Sweeney spent 47 years of his life teaching and coaching at St. Rita School for the Deaf. He made sure all of his students and players

were performing to their fullest potential. With the support of our spon-sors and golfers, the event was a success and helped our students take one

step closer to reaching their fullest potential and achieving their dreams.

Presenting Sponsor

Eagle Sponsor Tee Sponsors

Technology

Simplified. Solved. Supported.

Hole Sponsors

Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.The Ernst FamilyHolthaus PlumbingSorenson CommunicationsSisters of Notre DameVonderhaar’s CateringWoodlawn Dairy QueenCollins, Heeb, and Associates, Inc.

Flint Group PigmentsMedicount Management, Inc.Bushelman Supply CompanyForce Control Industries, Inc.Dobbling, Muehlenkamp, and Erschell, Inc.General Electric Credit UnionTurner Construction

Special Thanks to

The Pat Sweeney FamilyUBS Financial ServicesKevin Hall

Mark your Calendars for next year’s Golf Classic:August 3, 2018 • Glenview Golf Course

St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Fall 2017

DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR. 5DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.

February

Anniversary of Death

Thelma EnderleMr. Ronald F. Enderle

Richard RobinsonMrs. Mildred E. Robinson

Melisa and Sharon FiferLori Huelsman

Birthday Greetings

Tom DangelMr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls

Daniel ScheetzNancy J. O’Hara

Chet SondermanMr. and Mrs. Chester A. Sonderman

Birthday Remembrance

Juanita CooperFather Ronald C. Cooper

Carla HittMrs. Margie L. Hitt

Get Well Wishes for

Judy PilgrimSt. Mary’s Aux. No 346

In Honor of

Gregory R. Ernst, Sr.Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. Peltier

St. RitaAnne FlakeRobert Kelley

Joan M. (Heuker) ForshayMr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Graves, Jr.

In Memory of

Henry Barse, Sr.Alice and Gene Hedges

Alvin (Toby) F. BinderMr. William J. Petrie

Vera BrennerMrs. Judy AdlerMs. Kathleen M. AhernMr. and Mrs. Ken BirdMrs. Barb A. BronnerMs. Rita A. EadsMr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. EckelMr. and Mrs. Donald J. ElingDon Feiertag FamilySister John Michael GeisMrs. Joan C. HoerstMr. and Mrs. James KroegerSister Jane Bernadette LeoMr. Robert D. LynchMr. and Mrs. Michael A. VolleFrank and Jane BrinkmannMr. and Mrs. Dan BrinkmannPatrick BuckleyMs. Kathleen M. McGurkJames M. BunchMr. and Mrs. Mark ErnstRita Mae CalleryMrs. Margaret HuserEva ContadinoJerry and Mary BriccioTim CushingMrs. Jo Ann EllertRobert DormanSr. Mary Dugan, SCRobert DeutschMr. and Mrs. Frank DeutschEve Dunnigan Moore EickelmanMr. Willie CoyneMr. and Mrs. Greg RogersEdward T. FiebigMr. and Mrs. Allan M. ApkingSr. Joan Patrice FlynnSister Mary Dugan, SCEdward GartnerMr. and Mrs. Mike ErnstNorman HaasGerold HaasMrs. Elva R. Even

Mr. and Mrs. David J. Kramer and Fam.

Bernie HarringtonMr. and Mrs. John E. Ruthven

Terry HefleyMs. Peggy A. Kenney

Loretta HerberthMr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls

Morris HinkleMs. Kathryn Blackburn

Thelma Doyle Dill HofferMr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Vonderhaar

Sr. Rita Maria Kasselmann, SCMr. Richard M. Binzer

Margie KlareAlice and Gene Hedges

John KlostermanMs. Frances Klosterman

Jerry E. LeoDinsmore & Shohl LLPAnonymousMr. and Mrs. Lawrence R. BabelMr. and Mrs. Alan BiegelMr. and Mrs. Ken BirdMr. and Mrs. Ken C. CarpenterMs. Sandy L. ConnellRev. and Mrs. Dennis R. DaleySister Shirley DixMr. and Mrs. John DrerupSister Mary Dugan, SCMr. and Mrs. Cecil DunawayMr. and Mrs. Tom J. FerdelmanMs. Sue M. GabringerMs. Kimberly GambrelSister John Michael GeisCheryl and Eric GrannanSister Lynn HeperMr. and Mrs. Harold H. HeukerMr. and Mrs. Glenn JohnsonMr. L. Lehmann

Mr. and Mrs. David Leo and childrenSister Jane Bernadette LeoMs. Claudia A. MarseeMs. Leta J. McQuinn and familyMrs. Carolyn J. MonninMr. and Mrs. Thomas MorganJohn and Maryann MurphyMr. Daniel H. PfeifferMr. and Mrs. Craig ReichbauerMrs. Margene A. RobinsonMrs. Mary A. SchmidtSister Bernadette Marie ShumateMrs. Alma SliterMs. Denise SmithJane StiglerMr. and Mrs. David W. Travis

Charles LippsMrs. Jeanette M. Mather

Dr. LukensCharlie and Coralee Frey

Charles and Evelyn McCaffertyMrs. Robert Whelan

Evelyn A. McCaffertyMs. Julianne AllmanMs. Bridget BarduaMr. and Mrs. Greg ClausingMrs. Corinne CrawfordMs. Peg S. HobanMr. and Mrs. David R. LewisMr. and Mrs. Bill McCaffertyMs. Donna H. MedlockMrs. Louise C. MildrumMrs. Ellen A. MolitorMr. and Mrs. Scott NicholsMs. Lillian J. PaterMs. Kathleen H. ReedMr. Robert P. RyanMr. and Mrs. Carl WagnerMr. and Mrs. Thomas WaningMr. and Mrs. Joe C. WenkerMrs. Gertrude K. Whelan

Mary Lee McGinnis

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence R. BabelJohn and Maryann MurphyChuck MelvilleMrs. Helen B. WulkerJoAnne MockbeeMs. Shirley ThoneyCharlotte MuethingMrs. Dolores C. FooteJessie OsnerMr. and Mrs. Jerry KohlsRay OtteMs. Peggy A. KenneyEdward SchellMs. Julie SandersWilliam A. SchmitzMrs. Vera F. FleshmanMrs. Pamela R. GeanMs. Karen KessellMrs. Mary J. WinklerDale WardMr. and Mrs. Joe BurwinkelRobert WenzelMrs. Virginia UllimanGeraldine WestMrs. Jeanette M. MatherNick D. WimmersMrs. Zita TumneyAlvera WolfeMr. and Mrs. David F. AllenMr. and Mrs. Doug W. BowerMs. Alberta BretntizMr. and Mrs. Frank DeutschMrs. Marilyn KraemerMr. Anthony and Paul KreinerMrs. Marion SheldtYvonne WorthingtonMr. and Mrs. Allan M. ApkingMary ZimmermanMr. and Mrs. Brad Schlachter

Prayers forFamily of Robert DormanSister Mary Dugan, SC

Memorial Program

Looking for a way to honor someone who has everything? Celebrate a special occasion, say thank you or remember an important person in your life by making a gift to St. Rita School for the Deaf in his or her name. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays take on a new meaning when your gift brings help and hope to families who are struggling with their child’s special needs. Remembering those who have touched your life in a special way can comfort and console loved ones while also helping children to succeed in their life. People enrolled in the Memorial Program as well as the donor, are remem-bered at a special Mass and daily in the prayers of our students and staff . If you are interested in participating in the Memorial Program, please call 513-771-7600.

6

March

Anniversary of Death

Mildred (Mert) AdamsonMs. Helen KochMrs. Rita Mahoney

Martha GrossMs. Helen KochMrs. Rita Mahoney

Birthday Greetings

Alberta A. BlehaMrs. Mary E. Nieman

Birthday Remembrance

Richard RobinsonMrs. Mildred E. Robinson

Belated Christmas Greetings

Alberta A. BlehaMrs. Mary E. Nieman

In Honor of

St. Rita School for the DeafMs. Theresa C. Gerrard

St. RitaAnne Flake

St. Anthony—for favor receivedMrs. Rosemary Reyering

In Memory of

Raymond BauerMrs. Constance M. Flege

Sherry Baumgardner CombsMrs. Theresa E. Munafo and Fam.

Dick BetschMr. and Mrs. Joe Appelmann

Virginia Braun

Mr. and Mrs. Harold H. HeukerVera BrennerMr. and Mrs. Gerald BennettClaire BruemmerMrs. Mary Frances CostelloFred BrumfieldDr. and Mrs. Stanley A. HastingsMrs. Jeanette M. MatherSiro J. CostantiniCardiac Noninvasive LabMr. and Mrs. Merino S. BernardiHenry Ford Hospital—W Bloomfield Cardiac Cath LabMr. and Mrs. L. BurczMs. Daisy DiazMs. Christine FortneyMr. and Mrs. Vern J. HeiresMr. and Mrs. Rich PersianiMs. Cathy WhiteThelma EnderleMr. Ronald F. EnderleBeth FlegeMrs. Ginny BeemerWilliam (Bill) FrondorfMr. and Mrs. Michael B. GrimmEdward GartnerMrs. Anne M. ErnstCharles L. GeraciJohn and Maryann MurphyMartin and Nancy GoertemoellerMr. and Mrs. David M. GoertemoellerRoy HaterMrs. Jeanette M. MatherPatricia Ann HauckMr. Karl B. HauckWilliam and Dolly Hedgecock

Mr. James H. KochIsabel A. HickhamSt. Rita School for the DeafJohn and Maryann MurphyPeggy HirthMr. John H. SchmitzJoye HolthausMrs. Theresa E. Munafo and Fam.Jeanne HryckiewiczChristine Gramlick, Patti, Danny, Gregg and WenSister Bernadette Marie ShumateMs. Patricia SiskaMs. Patty and Karen StollKathleen JenningsMs. Kathleen M. McGurkJames KeaneMr. and Mrs. Jerry KohlsEdwin KimbrinkMrs. Constance M. FlegeRon and Elmer KochMs. Helen KochSir Knight James KossenKnights Of Columbus—Precious Blood Assembly #2947Daniel MahoneyMrs. Rita MahoneyKent MillerMr. and Mrs. Daniel J. VonderhaarJohn MongelluzzoMr. and Mrs. Richard H. FinanJoseph T. PerryDinsmore & Shohl LLPMs. Karen GellertMs. Mary Kay JunglenMr. Jerome R. KlettMs. Denise M. MillerJohn and Maryann MurphyMr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Prater

Sister Bernadette Marie ShumateCovedale LibrarySister Ann Elizabeth Von HagelMr. Scott WolfMs. Colleen Wood

William (Bill) PierceMr. and Mrs. Frank Ramminger

Richard PodolskiMrs. Patricia Podolski

Gregory V. PottsMr. and Mrs. Richard P. Turner

Fran PrestonMichael and Paul Preston

Bob RowlandMr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls

Jean RussoMs. Donna DoeblerMr. and Mrs. John Duston

Stanley W. SchappacherMr. and Mrs. Jerome H. Schappacher

Shirley ScheveMr. Richard J. Ostendorf

Dorothy L. SchneiderMs. Julie Sanders

Eddie ShannonMr. and Mrs. Bill Bohman

Donald A. ShumrickMrs. Honora F. Shumrick

Mary Lou SteinmanMrs. Stephen Taylor

Barbara A. Van Den BroeckDr. and Mrs. Thomas D. English

Arlene Sue WatsonMrs. Eileen C. Rebholz

Dorothy S. WeberMr. and Mrs. Paul J. Weber

Mildred WermesMr. and Mrs. Michael B. Grimm

Nick D. WimmersNewport Catholic Class of ’61 Breakfast Club

Alvera WolfeMr. and Mrs. Arthur Plate

In Thanksgiving of

Antoinette (Toni) DeschuMrs. Mary E. Nieman

In ThanksgivingMs. Jacqueline F. Ross

April

Anniversary of Death

Herbert WeyerMr. and Mrs. Ken Parsons

Birthday Greetings

Robert WickMary and Todd Heskett

Birthday RemembranceCarolyn (Jean) BaldaufMary Toney Maines

Get Well Wishes forSusan DugginsMs. Sandra K. Thornton

In Honor ofTyler ErnstMr. and Mrs. Mark ErnstSt. RitaAnne FlakeRobert J. KelleyIreland ReedMrs. Catherine Reed

In Memory ofCharles AsimusMrs. Barbara Hotopp & Fam.Virginia BraunMrs. Lucille SchochVera BrennerMr. and Mrs. Ronald H. AshbrockRuby CarrMr. and Mrs. Jerry KohlsSiro J. CostantiniLSA Golf League—Carol K., Martha, Kathy, Linda T., Betty, Carol C., Ann, Lori K., Marilyn, Lori B., Joy and AliceCecilia CramerMr. and Mrs. Ronald H. AshbrockBonnie DinnesenLong, Schaefer and Co., Inc.Morgan Hoffman InsuranceMr. and Mrs. Lawrence R. BabelMr. and Mrs. Jim BitzenhoferMr. and Mrs. Gregory R. Ernst, Sr.Mr. and Mrs. Jack ErnstSister John Michael GeisSister Jane Bernadette LeoMr. and Mrs. Albert J. HeitzMr. and Mrs. Dick M. SchneiderMr. and Mrs. Ray G. SchwabJohn ErtelJames R. HonerkampLorena FungMr. and Mrs. Daniel J. VonderhaarLarney GreenwoodMr. and Mrs. Rocky KleemanMrs. Peggy Pekinpaugh and familyMarion A. GrillotMr. and Mrs. Lawrence R. BabelMrs. Jacqueline FrazierJeanne HryckiewiczMr. and Mrs. James J. De CosteMr. Emil HryckiewiczMs. Lucy Hryckiewicz

Memorials continues on page 8

7DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.

St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Fall 2017

DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR.

William J. KeatingMr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Vonderhaar

Rita KluenerCharlie and Coralee Frey

Bev KreugerMr. and Mrs. John E. Ruthven

Marilyn MarksMr. and Mrs. James W. Nusekabel

Chris MayerMr. and Mrs. Robert L. Mayer

Rita C. MurrayMr. and Mrs. G Michael Cappel

Joseph T. PerryMr. and Mrs. George BryceMs. Diane M. LuxMr. and Mrs. John H. Roszmann

George RubattMr. and Mrs. John E. Ruthven

Theresa and Leonard SchmidtMr. and Mrs. Robert Schmidt

Rosemary SchroederAlice and Gene Hedges

Arnold and Marie SeilerMrs. Marilyn Woolley

Edward (Pete) J. Stander

Mr. Joseph E. Fuerst

John StatonMr. and Mrs. James J. Betscher

Earl ToennisMr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls

Rose ToepferMr. and Mrs. John M. Thoma

Kevin M. TuttleMr. and Mrs. Gregory R. Ernst, Sr.Mr. and Mrs. Mark ErnstMs. Lynn R. Todd & Sonnie Porter

Ro Ernst TuttleLynn R. Todd & Sonnie Porter

Norma Jean VictoryMr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls

Kathy WojciechowskiMr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls

Alvera WolfeMr. and Mrs. Chuck Mockbee

Prayers for

PMHAnonymous

In ThanksgivingJennifer P. Ahrens

8

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDCincinnati, OHPermit No. 797

1720 Glendale Milford Rd.Cincinnati, OH 45215513.771.7600www.srsdeaf.org