THE MARYLAND SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND
THE WINDOW, SUMMER 2017

The Class of 2017   
Staying true to their class motto, the MSB Class of 2017 “dreamed, believed and achieved.”  
The school year began for the senior class with the voting and election of class officers and the selection of the class colors and flower.  The Class of 2017 chose the traditional school colors of black and gold and continued that theme with the sunflower as their flower of choice.   
The seniors worked and studied hard throughout the year, but also made time for some fun.  They went on two class trips in which they had a chance to socialize and try new experiences.   At Amped Up, a local activity center and day camp in White Marsh, they had the opportunity to play arcade games, pool, basketball, air hockey, skee-ball and participate in physical activities including dancing, rock climbing, and competitive team challenges.  
The second excursion was going bowling.  The lanes were adapted with bumpers and ramps to accommodate the students’ needs and ensure maximum participation and enjoyment.  The excitement of the students was palpable as they tried to beat the scores of their friends and teachers.  
As is typical in most schools, one of the highlights of the senior year was the Prom.  At the pre-prom, the senior superlative awards were handed out, class rings were distributed and the prom queen and king were crowned.  Then it was off to the big night as the seniors and their guests were driven by limousine to the Heritage Gardens in Parkville.  The hall décor reflected the prom theme of “Under the Stars” and the students shined in their best attire.  It was a memorable evening.
After an activity filled year, the 21 students of the Class of 2017 achieved their final goal as they walked across the stage and accepted their diplomas at commencement on June 5.  The program featured commencement speaker, Rebecca Meyers, a Baltimore native and world class athlete.  Meyers, a two-time Paralympian (2012, 2016) and six time medalist (3 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze) in swimming was born with Usher Syndrome, a condition that has affected both her hearing and vision. In her address to the graduates, she recognized each student individually, commended them for setting high goals and encouraged them to step out of their comfort zone in order to achieve them. “It’s ok to feel uncomfortable, but don’t let it stop you from trying new experiences and reaching your dreams,” said Meyers. 
Other highlights of the ceremony included Ramya Weddington, senior class president’s address and the singing of the school song led by Laurel Kirby, class secretary.  Kirby was awarded the B. Franklin Newcomer Award, which recognizes a student who demonstrates, through leadership and citizenship, a positive influence in both school and residential life.  Benjamin Lopez was presented with the MSB Alumni Award and Zachery Hastings received the Staff Commendation Award.  
Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

Photo and Caption: Breanna Pumphrey and Raven Shaikh are crowned 2017 Prom Queen and King
Photo and Caption: Jeremy Russell and Veronica Ricci enjoy prom night

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Greetings!  Congratulations to the 21 students in the Class of 2017 who recently graduated from MSB. I wish them the best as they begin the next phase of their lives. We are excited for them as they move into their new adventures.  
Summer is upon us and it is an especially busy time with all the construction on campus.  We are currently in the process of several projects including the building of a two new playgrounds, the renovation of our main school building, the remodeling of our student center, and the completion of our new Preschool, Early Learning, and Outreach Center, which will open in the fall. The campus is bustling with activity!  
Our staff is also busy preparing for our summer programs, hosting alumni weekend, and beginning the new fiscal year.   We will be welcoming new students to our campus this summer and are excited to expose them to some new experiences. Students from across Maryland will join us on campus in July to participate in these programs.  We will host several overnight camps and day programs, including Creature Craze and Run of the Robots, a Lego STEM program, and The Maryland School for the Blind Camp Abilities, our annual sports and recreation camp.  
The theme for our Extended School Year (ESY) program, which emphasizes skills in the Expanded Core Curriculum, is “Under the Sea.”   We will also present several training and technology programs including Job Access With Speech (JAWS), a Braille course, and Mastering Independence Skills Through Living Experiences (MISLE).  
Your continued support of our programs and services is needed and much appreciated. Wishing you a relaxing summer!
Michael J. Bina, Ed. D.    President

Photo and Caption: Ramya Weddington, Class of 2017 President and Dr. Bina

Staff Spotlight on Paul Hamm     
At the age of six, Paul Hamm arrived at MSB as a young student.  He was born with congenital cataracts that left him visually impaired, and his twin sister was born completely blind.  They both attended the school together beginning in 1958.  Hamm learned many lessons at MSB, not only academics, but also daily living and job skills. 
He enjoyed his years at the school, so much so that when he graduated in 1970 at the age of 18, he applied for a job in the food services department, never realizing that he would spend the next 47 years as an employee at the same school in which he was a student. 
All totaled, he spent 60 years of his life at MSB and has become a fixture to the students and staff.  What is even more amazing is that Paul has never called in sick to work, except for one brief occurrence.  “His dedication and work ethic are unmatched.  I know that every morning when I arrive at work, Paul will be here,” said Tony Micucci, Nutritional Services Manager. 
But after 47 years on the job he has finally decided to retire at the end of June.  “I don’t know what we are going to do without him. There will never be another Paul.  He is irreplaceable,” said Micucci.
When asked about his longevity and work ethic, Hamm simply stated, “I knew that people were counting on me, so I didn’t want to let them down.  The kids kept me going too. I remember the staff taking care of me when I was a student and I wanted to give back and do the same.”  He has given back to so many of the students, including his own grandson, who is a current student at the school. 
At the end of the school year, Hamm was honored at several events including the annual MSB retirement breakfast, the Alumni weekend banquet and on Staff Appreciation Day.  MSB President, Dr. Michael Bina, presented him with several awards including citations from Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and the Senate of Maryland, recognizing his outstanding service to the school.  Bina also honored him designating him as an Honorary President of MSB. “Mr. Hamm, you can come back and sit in my chair anytime,” Bina told him.  

STAFF/BOARD NEWS     
MSB Principal, Dr. Joshua Irzyk, has received the 2017 Claire Loder McGough Professional Achievement Award for outstanding professional achievement in the advancement of knowledge related to the education of children who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities.  Congratulations, Dr. Irzyk!
Marion L. Mullauer has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Maryland School for the Blind (MSB).  Mullauer, the current Board Treasurer and Chair of the Audit Committee, will assume her new role on July 1, 2017 replacing retiring Chairman, Edward J. Veilleux.  A board member since 2007, she is the first female to assume the role in the 164 year history of the school.
Mullauer is currently the Transformational Chief Information Officer and a partner at Transition Partners Co./Mullauer Consulting, a national Information Technology(IT) consulting firm.  Her professional experience includes an extensive career background in Business Administration, IT, and Operations.  
A graduate of Towson State University, Mullauer went on to earn her MBA in Management from Loyola College.  She has held leadership positions with Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, American Chemical Society, and Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. 

WITH THANKS     
MSB recognizes and thanks Mr. Edward J. Veilleux for his dedicated service to the Board of Directors for the past 16 years.  He joined the board in 2001 and became the board chair in 2009, a position he has held for the past eight years.  Under his leadership, the school has seen tremendous growth with the demolition of outdated buildings and the construction of state-of-the-art facilities for students who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities.  Thank you, Mr. Veilleux!
    
Community Support
Save the Date: Friday, October 6, 2017 - Ravens Roost #82 Bull Roast and Silent Auction at Martins East from 7 pm – 11 pm. Support this annual event which benefits MSB.  Contact Kathy Snello for more information. kathysnello@comcast.net

Photos and Captions:
MSB was invited to participate in the 2017 Overlea Arts Fest this past Spring.  Our students’ artwork was on display along with other talented artists from our neighborhood community. 
Pictured: Rachel Kollasch and Dotty Raynor, MSB staff.

Thanks to Lewis Direct for sponsoring this edition of The Window
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The Maryland School for the Blind, 3501 Taylor Ave, Baltimore, MD 21236, 410-444-5000
www.marylandschoolfortheblind.org