Deaf and Hard of Hearing program students and staff gathered at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland for their annual picnic. 

A long-held tradition of the program, the annual picnic brings together current, former, and prospective students for a fun-filled day of games, activities and celebrations.

“The DHH picnic provides an opportunity for students across grade levels, K-12, and sometimes pre-school, to come together, mingle and get to know each other,” said Special Education Teacher Ms. Holly Gilbert. “I love to see them all connect, and the older students are always so caring and compassionate toward the younger students. They always want to help them.” 

Educational Interpreter Robin Myron said the picnic is also a reunion for students who graduated from the program and former staff. 

“It’s really great, because, first of all, the students get to see each other,” she said. “It’s also great to see graduates of the program return so that our current students can see role models who have gone through the program and are doing well.”

The day also includes a celebration for students who are graduating. “People who have worked with the students since they were in kindergarten come, share a meal and cake and ice cream,” said Gilbert.  “This is where students can meet people they might have future endeavors with, like college, work, or vocational school. This is a great way for them to make connections.” 

“We have the alumni that come and future program attendees,” she said. “It’s a way for all students to come together and play with their deaf peers. They are a community to themselves, and it’s a beautiful relationship.”