TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Gabriel Cardenas
512-462-5372
FOR RELEASE MAY 30, 2023
Texas School for the Deaf Graduation Ceremony
Class of 2024 Commencement
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Austin, Texas – May 30, 2024 - Forty-seven high school graduates receive their diplomas today, at 2:00 p.m., during Texas School for the Deaf’s (TSD) commencement ceremonies, at the school’s R.L. Davis Auditorium, located at 1102 South Congress Avenue, in Austin.
TSD is honored to welcome Lauren Ridloff, a renowned actress and advocate for disability rights and Deaf inclusion, to deliver the commencement address to TSD’s Class of 2024. Ridloff is best known for her roles as Makkari in the movie Eternals, and Connie in AMC’s The Walking Dead.
This year, TSD celebrates significant student academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements. Highlights include TSD STEM teams advancing to the National ROV and Drone Championship, excelling in the Culinary Arts Bowl, and securing sports championships in girls and boys basketball, and cheerleading.
Fourteen graduates have been awarded scholarships totaling $29,600, and 26 seniors have received acceptances into post-secondary education and training programs.
Class of 2024 valedictorian, McKenna Brentham from Manor, has shown outstanding dedication to academic excellence and extracurricular pursuits. An active participant in TSD sports, Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL), and International Studies, McKenna plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue her dream of becoming a crime scene investigator.,
Salutatorian, Dylan Barbin of Kyle, who joined TSD in the Fall of 2010, has consistently excelled both academically and in extracurricular activities. Active in sports, video production, and International Studies, Dylan plans to attend the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and pursue a career in information technology.
Ridloff is the inaugural recipient of TSD’s Claire Bugen Legacy Award of Merit, a prestigious honor recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Deaf and hard of hearing communities.
Incredibly proud of each and every student of the class of 2024, TSD Superintendent, Peter Bailey, says, “all graduates have demonstrated remarkable resilience, dedication, and achievement.
“Their accomplishments in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities serve as a true testament to their hard work, as well as the supportive community here at TSD.
“We look forward to seeing all the amazing things each will accomplish in their futures.”
WHAT: TSD Class of 2024 Graduation Commencement
WHEN: Thursday, May 30, 2024
11:30 a.m. Senior-Parent Reception
2:00 p.m. Commencement Exercises; Keynote by Lauren Ridloff
WHERE: R.L. Davis Auditorium
Texas School for the Deaf
1102 South Congress Avenue
Austin, TX 78704
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ABOUT THE TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF (TSD)
The Texas School for the Deaf is the oldest continuously operating public school in Texas. Educating Texas students who are deaf and hard of hearing since 1856, the campus also provides outreach and educational resources for students, their families and professionals in the field throughout the state of Texas. With educational excellence and a strong belief in a culture and community at TSD, students form a unique identity based on their individual strengths and talents. TSD is an environment where students learn, grow, and belong. For more information about Texas School for the Deaf, visit: www.tsd.state.tx.us.