New Mexico School for the Visually Handicapped - Yearbook (Alamogordo, NM)

Page 9 text:

O n October 28, 1983, students and staff at NMSVH hosted several hundred guests on the campus in a “Day of Celebration.” The day was set aside to commemorate the 80th birthday of the school and ten years of administration under Superintendent Jerry Watkins. Highlights of the day in- cluded dedication ceremonies for the newly constructed playground, which was designed specifically for the blind, and a Brown Bag Concert” which featured musical groups from NMSVH. The playground dedication was created by the four artists from New Mexico who designed and built the structure itself. Chris Spanovich, Jack Loeffler, Judy Boles and Susan Hamilton were on hand to greet guests and serve them fresh-baked bread (baked in an homo just feet from the playground) and jalapeho Jam. Music and drama presentations were included in the ceremony. The concert at lunch was held in the Rose Garden and featured the music of students and staff. The day’s activities were conclud- ed in the evening with a dinner in honor of Jerry. Opposite, upper left: Ayo- cuan, a group which played South American music, performed at the playground dedication. Op- posite, upper right: Randy Dom- inguez was master of ceremonies during the concert. Opposite, middle right: Chris Spanovich assists student Ron Lowe with an adjustment on his chair. Op- posite, lower left and right: A Keystone Cop and Otto the clown were on hand during the day. Upper: Chris places another loaf of bread into the homo. Chris and others baked many loaves of bread for the guests. Lower: Joa- quin Luna was one of the students who performed in a play directed by New Mexico playwright, Denise Chavez. 5

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T he spirit created by the “Day of Celebration” did not end on that day. After playing host to hundreds of guests and talking about NMSVH, staff and students seemed “up” for the challenges that were ahead. Throughout the year people were making interesting discoveries, many of which resulted in per- sonal successes. Opposite, up- per left: Frankie McMurdie found art projects a genuine source of Joy. Frankie and his classmates (Hazel Hahn’s primary class) were challenged by a variety of creative projects. Opposi te, upper right: Joe Lopez learned many new cane skills under the watchful eye of Jan Caron. Opposite, lower left: Corey Patricio and Virginia Parr, his foster grandparent, adopted a cat that wondered on to the cam- pus in the fall. Each morning Cor- ey and Virginia met the cat and provided a grand breakfast. Op- posite, middle right: Visiting ar- tist Ken Keppeler taught George Ferry how to play the accordian. George proved to be an eager and willing student. Opposite, lower right: Jimmy Braddock was very methodical when he applied syrup to a pancake he made during “Pancake Day” in the library. Upper: Conrad Davis also en- joyed making pancakes. This popular activity was sponsored by Wanda West and Alicia McAninch in the NMSVH library. Lower left: Bob Disher took time before school each day to make sure the American and New Mexico flags were flying at full mast. Lower right: Wanda Heffron exhibits the joy one experiences after com- pleting a run in skiing competi- tion. She and several other students participated at the Winter Special Olympics in Ruidoso in January. 7