Indiana School for the Deaf Celebrates the Grand Opening of Its Grant Henry Courtyard

October 27, 2005

The following is an excerpt from a dedication speech given by the school's principal, Robert Kovatch:

Good morning. It is wonderful to be here on this beautiful courtyard/playground with all of you.

I am Bob Kovatch, Principal of ISD. Before I introduce our 5th grade master of ceremonies, I would like to say a few words about this playground. In 2001, staff and parents formed a "playground committee." They had the grand idea for a new courtyard that would have the best of everything ...and be accessible to every student in the preschool and elementary departments. The idea was first for a playground, and then the idea grew into a playground and an outdoor area that would stimulate students' minds and bodies—playing, science, math, art, drama—everything! By the spring of 2003, fund-raising and very generous donations helped to make the "playground dream" possible. Last summer, 2005, the construction was completed, and students and staff started to enjoy the area at the start of the school year in August. Two plaques will be hung in the inner hallway near the playground elementary entrance doors. One plaque is on display today and the other one will be ready soon.

I am proud to announce that the playground will be called The Grant Henry Courtyard. Many of you will remember Grant Henry. Sadly, he passed away on October 2, 2004. Grant was 9 years old and an Elementary student at that time.

Grant came to ISD in Preschool and started in the nurser school class. Grant loved people, his classmates, and his teachers. He loved his dog, Ben, and different kinds of cars. He often talked about Disney World. I am sure that if Grant was with us today he would say that the playground looked like Disney World (on the ISD campus).

Grant lived in Zionsville with his family; mom, Lora, and sisters - Megan and Paige. He never complained abut his illness, he never gave up; he never let challenges/problems stop him from having fun. One (former) problem Grant faced was the old Elementary playground. He could not enjoy it with his motorized wheelchair. Remember, he was an independent little boy who wanted to play—just like all of this other friends.

Grant Henry was one of the reasons the staff and parents came together five years ago with so many ideas for a playground that every student could enjoy. Now we can enjoy Grant's dream on the Grant Henry Courtyard!

...In closing, I would like to applaud Elementary Art Teacher, Jonas Fenicle, and his students for the art work on today's program and Brenda Tress-Mowl and her FACS students for the refreshments, and Bren Marshall for interpreting this morning's activities.

...Thank you all again for being with us.