Alumni Spotlight: Neil Sprouse, Class of 2009
Neil Sprouse’s journey into Shakespeare began at VSDB, where required readings of Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet soon became a lifelong passion. Encouraged by teachers Rhonda Jennings-Arey, Heather Nicholson, and Rachel Bavister, Neil discovered the richness of Shakespeare’s world and the artistry of performance. A pivotal moment came in 2007, when the American Shakespeare Center, through Dr. Lindsey Snyder, visited VSDB. Neil vividly recalls playing Prince Escalus in Romeo and Juliet during a workshop—an experience that first planted the seeds of his theatre career.
That spark grew stronger in college, where he shifted from an English major to Theatre Arts under the mentorship of Ethan Sinnott. Neil went on to act in productions such as UnContented Love with Monique Holt, alongside future stars James Caverly and Sandra Mae Frank, and later contributed to a year-long translation project of Hamlet. His career path expanded further when he served as Director of Artistic Sign Language at the New York Shakespeare Festival’s production of Richard III, collaborating with Holt and working closely with acclaimed actor Danai Gurira.
For Neil, VSDB was more than a school—it was his foundation. He credits VSDB with teaching him identity, resilience, advocacy, and the courage to stand up for what is right, carrying forward the lessons of mentors like Mrs. Linda Blehm. Today, his love for literature, poetry, and advocacy continues to intertwine with his professional achievements. As Neil reflects, VSDB was his Alma Mater “in the truest sense—a mother who nurtured, shaped, and prepared me for the world beyond her walls.”
In what feels like a true “full circle” moment, he is returning to Staunton this month to co-facilitate a special ASL theatre workshop at the American Shakespeare Center, September 19–21. He’s thrilled for the opportunity to work with the community that started it all!
You can also catch an ASL-interpreted performance of Romeo and Juliet on September 19 at the American Shakespeare Center: https://americanshakespearecenter.com/
Photo credit: Amy Hechit, Tara Landing, Ethan Sinnott
🔥 Season Opener! Your Defenders take the field at home vs. Covington. Let’s pack the stands and cheer loud!
#DefendThisHouse #VSDBSoccer
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/K3ghvbsE8tnp?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
Pals is back! 🎉 A virtual space for Virginia students who are deaf or hard of hearing to connect, build friendships & grow confidence. Don’t miss out—register by Sept. 15! Sign up by clicking here!
Questions? outreach@vsdb.k12.va.us
🏠 HOME OPENER! Come pack the gym and cheer on the Lady Defenders as we face Mt. Carmel Christian. Let’s make some noise, VSDB!
#HomeCourtAdvantage #DefendThisHouse
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here:https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
🏠 HOME OPENER! Come pack the gym and cheer on the Lady Defenders as we face Mt. Carmel Christian. Let’s make some noise, VSDB!
#HomeCourtAdvantage #DefendThisHouse
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here:https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
🔥 Back-to-back action! VSDB takes on Faith Christian away. Let’s bring the energy and start stacking up those wins!
#VSDBVolleyball #DefendersPride
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here:https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
Lace up those cleats and feel that Defender spirit in the air — because VSDB Varsity Deaf Soccer is kicking off the 2025 Fall Season with POWER, PASSION, and PRIDE! ⚽
Get ready for a season of fierce competition, unstoppable teamwork, and unforgettable moments on the field.
We are proud to introduce our unstoppable coaching team leading our defenders into battle this season:
Head Coach Marla Mandujano – Bringing fierce focus, sharp tactics, and a love for the game like no other.
Assistant Coach David Owens – Delivering leadership, grit, and Defender pride every step of the way.
Together, they are building more than a team — they’re building a legacy!
This isn’t just a game.
It’s a movement.
It’s unity.
It’s tradition.
It’s where we stand shoulder to shoulder and boldly declare:
“DEFEND THIS HOUSE!”
Let’s come together and cheer on our athletes as they leave it ALL on the field this fall.
🔥 Every pass.
🔥 Every goal.
🔥 Every win — it starts with US.
#VSDBSoccer #DefenderStrong #DefendThisHouse #WeAreOneTeam
The full Soccer Game schedule is attached below! COME ON OUT!
Let’s go, Defenders — IT’S GAME TIME!
Get ready to feel the heartbeat of the field — because the 2025 Varsity Blind Soccer Team is coming in STRONG and READY to make some serious noise this fall!
With fierce determination, tactical brilliance, and unshakable unity, our athletes are set to show what it really means to be a Defender.
Leading this incredible squad are two dedicated coaches who are ready to ignite a season of power and pride:
🔥 Head Coach Rachel Lovell – A bold leader bringing unmatched energy, precision, and vision to the team.
⚡ Assistant Coach Ryan Farrell – Fueling the fire with heart, hustle, and an unwavering belief in our players.
This team is more than ready.
They’re focused.
They’re fearless.
They’re FAMILY.
And this season, we’re ALL standing behind them, united as one, to say:
“DEFEND THIS HOUSE!”
💥 This isn’t just blind soccer.
💥 This is strength.
💥 This is teamwork.
💥 This is VSDB.
Let’s show up. Let’s get loud. Let’s support every play, every kick, and every moment of this epic season.
#VSDBBlindSoccer #DefendThisHouse #DefenderPride #VisionBeyondSight
The Blind Soccer Game schedule is attached below!!!
The wait is OVER!
It’s time to rise up, rally loud, and show that DEFENDER PRIDE runs deep at the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 Varsity Girls Volleyball season, and we’re ready to make some serious noise on the court!
Leading the charge this season is our coaching duo:
Head Coach Patti Cooke – Bringing strategy, fire, and years of experience to the team!
Assistant Coach Carrie Martin – Backing up the squad with energy, hustle, and relentless spirit!
These incredible women are ready to build champions — on and off the court.
But this isn’t just about volleyball.
This is about heart.
This is about pride.
This is about family.
This is about standing together and shouting:
“DEFEND THIS HOUSE!”
🎉 Let’s pack the gym, wear the RED, BLUE, WHITE, and BLACK to make sure every bump, set, and spike is HEARD AND FELT across campus!
Let’s go, Defenders — it’s time to SERVE UP A SEASON TO REMEMBER!
The Volleyball Game schedule is attached below!
#DefenderPride #DefendThisHouse #VSDBVolleyball #UniteAndSpike
The games can be either live scored or live streamed via game changer by going to the teams page on the game changer app here: https://web.gc.com/teams/9gC4087SQw9d?utm_source=Web&utm_campaign=team_share_link
#GoDefenders #DefendThisHouse
#VSDB #Sports #VSDBPreparingStudentsForLife #TogetherWeEmpower
We wrapped up an incredible two-day journey of learning, connection, and collaboration. Last night’s Roundtable Session featured powerful insights from a diverse panel (including a parent of one of our students and our new Interim Superintendent), and today’s closing plenary is bringing it all home with thought-provoking conversations about language access, student potential, and creative partnerships.
Thank you to all who presented, participated, and engaged—we’re feeling inspired and ready to carry these ideas forward into the new school year! 💙💡
#OpeningDoorsUnlockingPotential 2025 #VSDBStrong #DeafEd #FamilyEngagement #CollaborateToElevate #VSDBPreparingStudentsForLife #TogetherWeEmpower
🎈✨ We’re off to an inspiring start! ✨🎈
Many of our staff are participating in this week’s Opening Doors: Unlocking Potential virtual conference— Creative Partnerships to Elevate Success for students who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind.
We are thrilled to kick off both the conference and the school year with a powerful keynote from Jennifer Francisco, reminding us all how unlocking student potential opens doors to their futures. 💡💙
#OpeningDoors2025 #UnlockingPotential #VSDBStrong #ProfessionalDevelopment #PreparingStudentsForLife #TogetherWeEmpower
We’re excited to share this special message from Charity Reedy Warigon, VSDB’s new Interim Superintendent! In this short video, she shares what makes VSDB such a remarkable place—from our incredible students to the passionate and dedicated team working across our campus. 💙❤️
Whether you’re a longtime member of the VSDB family or just getting to know us, take a moment to hear her hopes and vision for the year ahead. We’re looking forward to a meaningful, connected, and empowering school year—together!
📺 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/8yKp8yJOp4E
#VSDBStrong #BackToSchool #VSDBCommunity #PreparingStudentsforLife #TogetherWeEmpower
From hallway hugs to deep dives into professional learning, the energy and excitement for the year ahead were unmistakable. Whether it was teachers catching up, team members across departments sharing smiles, or staff soaking in new strategies—we're ready to make this year amazing!
Here’s to a strong start and an even stronger school year ahead! 💙
#OpeningDay #VSDBStrong #BackToSchool #TeamVSDB #PreparingStudentsforLife #VSDBPreparingStudentsforLife #TogetherWeEmpower #DeafEducation #BlindEducation #DeafBlindEducation
The Family Activity Series in Harrisonburg tomorrow has been moved to the Dream Come True Playground, located at 1050 Neff Ave.
We’ll be there from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — come hang out for as long or as short as you'd like!
Big thanks to the friend who let us know that the sprayground park will be closed for maintenance. We’re excited for some outdoor fun at our new spot and hope to see you there!
As some may remember in 2023 VSDB became aware of a legislative error which de-
authorized the VSDB Police Department. With support of our legislators and Governor,
legislation was passed and re-authorized the VSDB Police Department on July 1, 2025.
We are excited to announce both Chief Coker and Lieutenant Painter were sworn back
in as Police Officers. We are thankful for all of our officers and staff in our Public Safety
Office who maintain a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and visitors!
