Wisconsin School for the Deaf - The Wisconsin Times Vol. 135 No. 1 Fall 2013 | Page 6

New Students 2013

By Maryann Barnett

Alaqua Cox is a junior from Keshena. She heard about WSD for several years
from a WSD graduate. Alaqua enjoys her mornings at WSD because she does not
have to wake until 6:30 AM. Last year, she had to be on the bus by 6:30 AM and
did not return home until 6:00 pm. She was not able to enjoy any extra-curricular
sports or clubs. At WSD, Alaqua is on the volleyball team and hopes to play basketball and run track as well. She has made many friends and enjoys her classes at
Alaqua Cox
WSD. Asked what she misses about her old school, “My friends, my dog, my
grandpa and especially my family. I miss sleeping in my own bed in my own room.” Alaqua’s favorite color is
purple. She hopes to attend college to become a physical therapist. We hope so too, Alaqua!
Teresa Baumgartner from Bonduel, joined WSD the last week of February 2013.
She has known about WSD for several years through the Koss family. The majority
of the Deaf and hard of hearing students from her area graduated 2011 and Teresa
was ready to experience the Deaf residential school. She says she has made many
friends and has also been improving her ASL skills.
Teresa goes to Delavan Darien High School - DDHS daily for band in the mornings.
She has played the tenor saxophone for 7 years. She also takes a sociology course at
DDHS. She is also taking an online psychology course. Teresa is involved with Sign
Song Dancers - SSD and volleyball currently. She hopes to try for cheerleading as
well as the Academic Bowl team and Jr. NAD.
The BEST part of WSD is great new friends. The worst part is that she misses her
Teresa Baumgartner family and her cats. She enjoys receiving care packages from her father.
In her free time, Teresa likes to volunteer at animal shelters (near Delavan and at
home). She would like to be a Forensics Psychiatrist (think of Dr. George Huang
from Law and Order SVU).

Josiah Kleist

Josiah Kleist is a senior from Wisconsin Rapids. He is enjoying all the social aspects
of WSD and likes the ability to communicate with everyone. He likes learning about
Deaf Culture and although he likes ALL his classes and teachers, he is able to connect
the most with his Future Planning course as it encourages him to think about his own
future and make decisions. He is participating in football and hopes to be a manager
for the basketball team. His idol is Matt Hamill, “The Hammer”, who is known for
his mixed martial arts and wrestling skills. Josiah wishes WSD offered wrestling,
since that is the sport he misses from his previous school. Josiah plans to join Student
Body Council - SBC, Jr. National Association for the Deaf - Jr. NAD and National
Honor Society - NHS. Josiah would like to attend
Gallaudet University and become involved in Sports
Management or Law. Welcome and good luck, Josiah!

Nathan Dolezal is in the sixth grade and comes to WSD from Antigo. He met some
friends from WSD at Lions Camp. He has made more friends since starting school.
His favorite class is physical education and he enjoys playing kickball. He misses his
family and is still adjusting to all the newness of classes and staff at WSD. He does
enjoy the ease of communication and not needing an interpreter at WSD.
Fall 2013 - 6

Nathan Dolezal