Victoria Brayer, Hope Hall class of 2004, is a junior at Nazareth Academy and has been accepted into the National Honor Society.  We are extremely proud of Vickie.  Her induction ceremony at Nazareth is on February 6, 2007.

Kyle Rapp, Hope Hall class of 2005, is a sophomore at Brockport High School, holding at least a B average in every class.  He bowls twice a week on the Varsity bowling team.  Kyle became involved in bowling while at Hope Hall, participating in the after school program at Gates Bowl.  He now has a job at Spencerport Bowl and is a dedicated employee who handles all the repairs of the ball return and pin setting machines.  Kyle has saved enough money to buy his own snowmobile (which he can finally ride – he’s probably responsible for praying for all this recent snow).  Kyle’s mom and dad wrote the following sentence about Kyle to Sister Diana and the faculty, “Kyle continues to be a very good boy, and we are still very proud of him and of all he has accomplished in life so far.”  We, at Hope Hall couldn’t agree more!

Mike Ruschak, Hope Hall class of 1998, wrote Sr. Diana a wonderful letter, catching Sister up on what he’s doing.  Mike graduated from the Norman Howard School with a Regents diploma.  He also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts.  Mike graduated from Bryant and Stratton College in 2004 with a 3.9 GPA.  He is now attending Pennsylvania College of Technology and will graduate in December of 2007.  Mike has never had a college grade lower than a B.  His current GPA is 3.44.    Mike writes, “ Study methods, especially the four step method (learned at Hope Hall) helped me learn hundreds of vocabulary words that needed to be memorized my first semester going for my Bachelor’s.  I use the four-step method on a consistent basis and it works!!!!

While at Bryant and Stratton, Mike was an intern at the Rochester Museum and Science Center’s Information Technology Department.  He worked on a major web site redesign.  Last summer he volunteered at the Strong Museum of Play and helped to rebuild an exhibit that will soon be released.  He also redesigned the family food game at the museum.  Mike says, “ Hope Hall, as well as scouting, have taught me a lot about giving back to the community.” 

I am printing Mike’s last paragraph in its entirety, because it says, right from his heart, what is our hope and dream for every student.  It’s why we are here.  Mike writes,

“Hope Hall taught me a lot and has been influential in my success. I would love for the opportunity to speak at a community meeting at Hope Hall if given the opportunity.  Perhaps after I graduate with my Bachelors?  Learning disabled kids can have a rough time if not provided the correct environment that Hope Hall has to offer.  Many doubters told my parents I may not do well in college.  However, I have found success and am a firm believer that “anybody” can find success if they are serious about it.  I just created goals to fulfill my dreams and it’s worked:”

We will be inviting Mike to be one of our speakers at our Career Day this spring.  Thanks, Mike!