Kentucky School for the Deaf celebrates five Class of 2024 graduates

(DANVILLE, KY) – The Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD) celebrated five seniors on May 15.

The graduation ceremony included remarks from the Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Fields Kinney, Kentucky Board of Education Vice Chair Lu Young and keynote speaker Rhonda Sue Bodner.

Bodner graduated from KSD in 1978 and spoke to the students about her experience and time at the school. She shared positive words of wisdom to them as they graduate and continue their endeavors outside school.

Once Bodner graduated, she was hired by KSD as a clerk-typist and throughout the years has held multiple positions within the school. For the last five years, she has been working at the front desk of Brady Hall.

The five seniors graduating were:

Shonda Barker
Shalissa Kayanna McGill
Austin Patrick Overbay
David-Bentley Jase White
Cochise Jiro Zornoza

All photos were taken by Crystal Sicard, information officer at the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).

Students sitting in the chair and listening

From left to right: Junior Marshal Madelyn Gladden sitting alongside graduates Shonda Barker and Shalissa Kayanna McGill in the front row of the graduation listening during the ceremony.

Student speaking at the podium at the graduation

KSD graduate Shonda Barker speaking during the graduation ceremony to the friends and family in attendance.

Interim principal Petrey with Interim Commissioner Kinney and graduate

KSD Interim Principal Lynn Petrey with graduate Shalissa Kayanna McGill and Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Kinney.

KSD Interim Principal Lynn Petrey with graduate David-Bentley Jase White and Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Kinney.

KSD Interim Principal Lynn Petrey, with graduate Cochise Jiro Zornoza and Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Kinney.

KSD Interim Principal Lynn Petrey with graduate Shonda Barker and Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Kinney.

KSD Interim Principal Lynn Petrey with graduate Austin Patrick Overbay and Interim Commissioner of Education Robin Kinney.

Graduates standing after walking across the stage and receiving their diplomas. From left to right: Shonda Barker, Shalissa Kayanna McGill, Austin Patrick Overbay, David-Bentley Jase White and Cochise Jiro Zornoza.