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Our very first morning of the Viable/DeafNation road trip kicked off with us taking our RV and truck through downtown Rochester, straight to the city’s school for the Deaf!

The quaint Deaf institute boasts a medley of perks many a visitor will immediately notice: a lush, green campus, warm brick-and-stone buildings, art displayed at every turn of the head, and an incredibly dedicated – not to mention invested – faculty and staff operating under Superintendent Dr. Harold Mowl. Those on a tour will discover far more past the surface: the rich history of the 120-student institute, the quality of the school’s programs, and the flexible – yet durable – curriculum, which is able to offer courses to best suit students’ educational needs.

Dr. Mowl lead the way to the Galloway Building – where lunch would be held – but not before introducing us to two students along the way. After Mowl inquires about the previous day’s soccer game against Buffalo’s St. Mary’s School for the Deaf, the male student beams and holds four fingers up against his chest, then pulling away with the “0” handshape.

“4-nothing? Good, good!” Mowl signs, grinning, giving the boy a hearty slap on the back. Warm and welcoming in his interaction with people on campus, it is apparent that the institute for the Deaf has become a second home to the superintendent of nineteen years.

We walked into the plush Zwick Conference Center, sitting down with representatives from RSD’s Jr. NAD – including star soccer player Richard Spiecker, Jr. NAD president Danica Metlay, and nine other high-school students.

Conversation topics ranged from traveling to career goals, fun RSD field trips to the Jr. NAD’s push to change the school colors from baby blue/white to orange/royal blue. Students also mentioned dedicating a flower garden honoring of the heroes of the September 11th attacks, going to a Mets game this past weekend, and much more. It was no secret that the students, with the support of faculty, staff, and family, are assisted in becoming well-educated and well-rounded individuals.

After lunch, the students came outside to the parking lot to check out – as one student said – our “wheels”. After exclaiming they loved the back of our truck, we all took several photographs together – a few in front of the RV and a few by the truck – before parting ways.

After that, we were lead around campus by Dr. Mowl, who showed us everything from their nifty Sound Lab to their basement pool to the library. After the tour, we sat down in his office to chat for a bit.

“So – Dr. Mowl…could you tell us some of the best things that you’ve seen happen at RSD in all your years as superintendent?,” I asked.

He paused. “If I had to pick one thing…It’s when the students graduate. I see the students graduating as a testament of the strength of our programs and the unyielding commitment of our faculty and staff…,” he said, his face that of a proud superintendent.

After more chatting – you can see more of the conversation on our video clip! – we exchanged good-byes and promises to see each other at tomorrow’s Rochester Recreational Club for the Deaf’s pizza and Euchre night.

As I followed the crew out, we passed by neat rows of photographs hanging on the wall right outside the office. Baby blue – the old school color of RSD – caught my eye, and I turned to look closely.

Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, I quickly counted, smiling as I reached the final number. There was only one person present in every photograph of grinning seniors: Dr. Mowl.

Want to learn more about Rochester School for the Deaf? That’s easy – just go to
http://www.rsdeaf.org!

VIDEO: ROCHESTER SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF