Students perform to thank Sertoma

To show their gratitude, students enrolled in the school district's deaf and hard of hearing program performed for the Carson City Sertoma Club on Wednesday.

"We're not very professional, but we sure have fun," said teacher Marci Wilson.

The students performed their own twist on a classic called, "The Sugar Plum Fairy and the Peanuts."

They also gave a presentation on the various technologies they have been able to secure thanks to the annual donations from the Sertoma Club.

Students concluded their presentation by signing, "Silent Night."

Sertoma President Hugh Smith said it has been a club tradition for 20 years to raise money for the program and to invite the students to the final meeting of the year.

He said this year's performance did not disappoint.

"It was touching to say the least," Smith said. "These children are working so hard and they're succeeding so much. We're very pleased and proud of what they're doing."

Carson City School District Superintendent Richard Stokes accepted the $3,000 check on behalf of the deaf and hard of hearing program.

"This kind of donation and assistance really does go a long way," he told club members during their luncheon. "I appreciate your kindness. We couldn't do some of the things we do without your generosity."

The club also presented a check to the program on behalf of Frank Holub, a former member who died in September. A collection was taken up in memorium.

Holub's daughter Terri Srch said her father was not "a joiner," but "really believed in service to mankind the Sertoma Club does."

He had begun to lose his hearing, she said, in the 1950s and by the end of his life, he was profoundly deaf.

With no other form of communication, she said, he spent many years living in isolation.

She said helping the deaf and hard of hearing program was a fitting tribute to her father.

"There's not a better memorial to ask than people donate in his memory," she said. "It couldn't have gone to a better place."

Wilson said the annual donations that typically range from $5,000 up to $8,000 have helped the program with upgrades in technology and expanded services.

"You're just so generous to us," she told them. "We can't believe it."

Also at the meeting:

• Frank Taylor was named the Sertoman of the Year.

• Pam and Randy Anderson, owners of Straw Hat Pizza, received the Service to Mankind Award.