Ohio School For Deaf Celebrates 175th Anniversary

From: NBC4 Columbus.com, OH - Sep 12, 2004

School Puts Deaf On Path To Success

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- This weekend, more than 1,000 alumni of the Ohio School for the Deaf helped celebrate its 175th anniversary.

NBC 4's Erin Tate caught up with one special graduate, Joey Artino, who used his pastry skills to keep the celebration sweet.

Artino has mastered American sign language and has been working at Mozart's Bakery as a baker for more than two years.

Artino, 22, focuses on his art, baking and decorating some of the most delicious desserts in Columbus.

The vocational food services program at the Ohio School for the Deaf helped him hone his culinary skills. One day Artino hopes to own his own restaurant.

But the job isn't always a piece of cake.

"[I get up at] 4 a.m. and am at work by 5 a.m.," Artino said through American sign language. "It's not easy, but I love it and I never miss it."

On Sunday, Artino was putting the finishing touches on 12 cakes that Mozart's is donating to the school for its 175th anniversary celebration.

Since 1829, the school has served the deaf and hard of hearing in Ohio. It has helped put students like Artino on a path toward success.

"I started coming when I was 12," Artino said. "It helped me improve, helped me to know the world."

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