Salute 2008 was the theme of the Austin Partners in Education Awards this year, and the Texas School for the Deaf Foundation named Time Warner News 8 its partner of the year. The award ceremony was held at the downtown Hilton and had over 1350 educators in attendance. The 15 Culinary Arts students that were apprenticing under Diamond Chef Dayanandan for the following nights' Diamond Event also got to help prepare for the APIE banquet as well.

The awards objective was to recognize and honor outstanding business partners, AISD staff and community volunteers who make a difference in the achievements of students in the Austin Independant School District and in our case, at the Texas School for the Deaf.

Senior Jessica Reese helped open the awards ceremony by signing the National Anthem, and did a fantastic job of representing our school and community (pictured top left).

Barry DeCrane and Lisa King represented Time Warner News 8 and received the award, as they were the two most influential people in setting up the "Kars for Kids" car show last spring. It was with their help that made that event as successful as it was.

The TSD Foundation would like to extend a huge thank you to Time Warner News 8 for being our partner of the year. With Time Warner News 8's "Kars for Kids", they raised over $18,000 for the Auto Body Shop program here at TSD. The funds were used to facilitate the purchase of a new lift, and the kids in the program were thrilled about their new equipment, as you can see on their faces below.