U.S. Representative John Rutherford (FL-District 4) and his delegation spent part of the afternoon of August 20, 2019, visiting with FSDB students and teachers. The delegation included District Director Chris Miller, Press Secretary Alex Lafranconi, and Jamie Groff, a student intern with the Congressman’s Washington DC office. Groff, who is deafblind, is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Public Administration at Gallaudet University.
FSDB President Jeanne Glidden Prickett welcomed the delegation to campus, during which time Police Chief Jerry Chandlee explained campus safety and security measures and recent initiatives. Next, they joined Deaf Department Principal Angela Saunders and Deaf High School Assistant Principal Dina Padden, who took them to visit classes taught by Adam Greenleaf, David McFee, and Elizabeth Moody. High school students enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the Congressman and Groff, both of whom offered words of encouragement.
The group then went on a brief campus tour with Administrator of Instructional Services Tracie Snow, Director of Advancement Amy Moring, and Executive Director of Communications and Public Relations Nancy Bloch, followed by a meeting with Dr. Prickett and Ms. Snow.
Congressman Rutherford in a subsequent social media post said,
“Thank you to the teachers who have dedicated their lives to empowering students with hearing and vision challenges. I enjoyed my visit to this impressive institution and will work to be an advocate in Congress for the blind and deaf communities.”
About FSDB
The Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind is a tuition-free state public school and outreach center available to eligible Pre-K and K-12 students who are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, or deafblind. At FSDB, students learn how to do more, be more, and achieve more, fulfilling our vision of preparing them for a lifetime of success. FSDB gratefully accepts private donations to support vital programs that directly benefit students and are not paid by state general revenue funds. For a campus tour or to inquire about eligibility for enrollment, contact FSDB Parent Services at 904-827-2212 voice or 904-201-4527 videophone. For more information, visit www.fsdbk12.org