Bobbie
Vanover's 
Home Page
Richard Stephen
This young man is my second son, born on December 23rd. He has taught me about life, in ways that no professor or mentor could have possibly done.
Richard's first challenges in life were bilateral hearing impairments, with a moderate loss in his right ear and a severe-to-profound loss in his left ear.
Richard's next challenges were Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, ODD, and OCD. These probably presented the most difficulties for him, as he grew into a young adult. He was often misunderstood for many of his behaviors, attitudes, and
actions.
- With
medications, appropriate counseling both in private practice and school, and a strong supportive family and school team, Richard has learned, and accepted, responsibilities for his life.
- Through his
struggles to address his challenges, he has developed into a fine young person who does not let 'labels' or 'diagnoses' stop him from life's achievements.
Richard does very well, and this I pass along to parents as a beacon of hope. Because he himself would not brag, let his mother do so now...
Arizona School
for the Deaf High School
- He was
Salutatorian for his Senior Class.
- He is
listed in "Who's Who 1997" of High School Seniors.
He also
attended college classes at Pima Community
College
during his Senior year in High School.
His current G.P.A. is 3.0.
He is a
member of the National Honor Society.
In May
1998, he was accepted for admission and offered a President's
Scholarship to Gallaudet
University
in Washington,.
D.C.. It is the only four year university for deaf and hearing impaired
persons in the world. He graduated in May 2003, having completed his studies in Communications and Spanish. Both Mom and big brother Sean made the trip to Washington, DC to share in his proud moment!
Check out
Welcome to
Washington DC Online!
Our Nation's
Capitol
- In May
1998, he achieved the honor of ranking in the top 1% of this
nations's deaf students on a National Mathematics Test.
In May 2002, he achieved the honor of "Who's Who 2002" in college universities.
He is very
computer literate, teaching me how to do Home Pages on the Net
(and we haven't fought yet!).
He loves sports, having played football and basketball during his Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior years for Arizona School for the Deaf High School at ASDB. Unfortunately, he has had four knee surgeries, two on each knee, which prevents him from participating seriously in future athletics. BUT he still plays softball, volleyball, and any other extracurricular sport that he can!.
Here are some photos of my sweet Richard!
Basketball
1997-1998
Senior Photos
1998
ASDB Senior
Prom 1998
Richard worked three summers through Summer Youth and Education Programs during High School and several internships during his college years, including a Congresswoman's office and the National Captioning Institute.He is now employed at George Washington University as a financial aid officer.
Along with his mother and his brother, he participated first as a student and then as a volunteer in P.S.I.
Seminars.
Richard
converted to Campus Crusade for Christ. He has been instrumental in the construction of the website for Gallaudet's Campus Crusade for Christ. He is following in his brother's footsteps in accepting God in his life.
Richard
recently became the proud owner of a 2004 Taurus sedan.
Richard lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his girlfriend, Kitty, their four cats, and one dog. Kitty is graduating from Gallaudet in Spring 2005. A special young woman, she too loves sports and is active on the Volleyball team. 
Richard is a sensitive, caring, deeply loving young man, whose absence in my life would have left a deep void filled with pain. I am so blessed to be called 'Richie's Mom'.
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This website was last updated 1-November-2004
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