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Page Austin
Paige Austin plans to attend Johnson & Wales University to prepare for a culinary career. She also plans to set up a website to sell homemade soap.
Her accomplishments at SCSDB include serving as student council president and Junior National Association of the Deaf president.
She believes her SCSDB education is powerful and quotes Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world."
Paige is the daughter of Rhowena and Adam Austin of Rock Hill.
Caleb Cervantes
Caleb Cervantes is known for his good manners and great sense of humor. He strives to be as independent as possible and plans to attend the Elite Adult Day Center in Greer upon graduation.
While attending SCSDB, Caleb participated in Special Olympics Track and Field and Field Day. Manufacturing was the focus of his career training.
Caleb’s teacher, Kathy Goodwin, said “Caleb has come a long way in his years at Cedar Springs Academy. We are very proud of his accomplishments.”
Caleb is the son of Ivy Gilliam and Raymond Cervantes, and his step dad is David Gilliam. His hometown is Lyman, SC.
Cole Haywood
Cole Haywood plans to go to a four-year college and study physical education. He believes it is important to work hard and help others.
While at SCSDB, Cole has earned awards in basketball, track, and football. His career exploration training included working in the school’s maintenance department.
Cole enjoys SCSDB and is looking forward to more challenges and seeing how his life will change in the future. “I like socializing with new friends and learning more about future career opportunities,” he said.
Cole is the son of Teresa Haywood and Cole Haywood, Jr. of Orangeburg.
Jason Mendez
Jason Mendez dreams of working in the electronics section of a department store upon graduation.
At SCSDB, Jason was a member of the football team, the goalball team, and the Do-Good-Feel-Good Club. He also volunteered in Voss Gymnasium. He enjoyed the “friendly and safe environment” at SCSDB.
Jason’s parents are Maria Galvan and David Mendez of Ridgeland, SC.
Audrey Parmenter
Audrey "Li" Parmenter plans to go to a four-year college and become an English teacher.
At SCSDB, Li received the Golden Student Award and the Orientation and Mobility Award. She participated in the employability program and was a member of the welcoming committee, chorus, braille club, and student council.
“I enjoy spending time with my friends and teachers so that I may become more educated every day,” said Li.
Li is the daughter of Robert and Jan Parmenter of Spartanburg.
Elizabeth Prater
Elizabeth "Liz" Prater will attend Midlands Technical College and major in psychology.
At SCSDB, she was a basketball cheerleader and a member of the Chamber Singers, chorus, book club, Do-Good-Feel-Good Club, track team, yearbook staff, goalball team, and Leo Club, a youth organization of Lions Clubs International. She received the Leadership Award for cheerleading.
Her career training included working as a tutor and assistant PE coach. “I like the visual tools and technology readily available to me at SCSDB,’ said Liz.
Liz is the daughter of Ray and Zelda Prater of Columbia.
Eyerusalem Ruppel
Eyerusalem "Rue" Ruppel plans to complete an adult education program leading to enrollment at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.
“I like to learn and meet new friends,” said Rue. She was girls basketball and volleyball manager and a member of student council.
Rue enjoys photography and is a wonderful role model for others.
She is the daughter of Julia Wittschen of Beaufort.
Vanessia Sanders
Vanessia Sanders plans to major in business and management at Florence Darlington Technical College and then attend a four-year college to earn a degree in psychology.
A very active student, Vanessia worked at Vocational Rehabilitation, job shadowed, and participated in employability training while attending SCSDB. She was homecoming queen and earned awards in goalball, cheerleading, chorus, and Technology Olympics. She participated in the welcoming committee, braille club, Do-Good-Feel-Good Club, and Leo Club, a youth organization of Lions Club International.
“I like the teachers and how patient they are with me and my vision,” said Vanessia. Her teachers praised Vanessia for learning to self-advocate and to ask for assistance when needed.
Vanessia is the daughter of Joey and Linette Sanders of Salters, SC.
Brianna Shirley
Brianna Shirley plans to focus on vocal performing arts and will attend a two-year college with plans to transfer to a four-year college.
Brianna was Fine Arts Student of the Year and homecoming queen. She participated in chorus, the Chamber Singers, student council, and the Do-Good-Feel-Good Club.
While at SCSDB, Brianna received employability training and volunteered at a resale store and as a teacher’s assistant in the Applied Academic Center.
Brianna’s favorite subject is math thanks to the encouragement of her teachers. “I like my teachers and the extended efforts they put in to help me succeed,” she said.
Brittany Smith
Brittany Smith was the Cedar Springs Academy homecoming queen this year. She also participated in Special Olympics Track and Field, Field Day, and manufacturing training while attending SCSDB.
Brittany plans to attend an adult day center near her home after graduation. “Every day is a challenge for Brittany,” said her teacher Kathy Goodwin, “Yet, she is determined to be as independent as she possibly can.”
Brittany’s favorite activity is working on her iPad where she is able to record, take pictures, find websites, and answer questions. She loves motorcycles, fast cars, boats, and music.
Brittany's hometown is Bennettsville. She is the daughter of Calvin Smith and the niece of Marie and Walter Jones.
Jamal Thompson
Jamal Thompson hopes to find a good job after graduation, and he is well prepared. While in school, Jamal received career training with Vocational Rehabilitation, Garden World, and Sodexo Food Services.
He enjoyed wood working projects in the Applied Academic Center. He participated in football and Special Olympics (basketball, volleyball, bowling, track and field).
Jamal is the Cedar Springs Academy 2020-2021 homecoming king, and he is the son of Rose Thompson of Union, SC.
Paul Tocco
Paul plans to become a mental health counselor. He will attend Front Range Community College and then further his education at a four-year college where he will major in psychology.
Paul has many friends at SCSDB and participated in the Do-Good-Feel-Good Club. He enjoyed the accommodation and assistive technology devices provided by the School for the Blind.
Paul is the son of Joseph and Esther Tocco of Spartanburg.
