Gabriella Wessler exhibits signs of success
Gabriella Wessler, recent graduate from the Knox School, in the tack room at the school's stable. (Jun. 6, 2011) Credit: Heather Walsh
As the daughter of parents who are deaf, Gabriella Wessler understands the importance of building bridges between those who hear and those who don't.
At the private Knox School in St. James, Wessler has founded an American Sign Language Club. She also teaches sign language, and takes pride in the fact that more than 30 classmates, past and present, have learned basic signing techniques.
Wessler, 18, is also a ribbon-winning equestrian at a school noted for its riding program.
Sprains from horse-show tumbles may occasionally slow her down, but Wessler still maintains a hectic schedule.
She is president of the student council and vice president of the National Honor Society. In addition, she has organized school fundraisers and clothing drives for underprivileged children.
Her latest project is a group effort with her fellow equestrian team members -- establishing a retirement fund for the horses who serve the school so they can have a place to live out their final years in peace and comfort.
And the tumbles? Close acquaintances say they reflect Wessler's willingness to take on challenges.
"She'll ride the horse that's a little bit difficult," said Janice Zingale, a Knox assistant headmaster.
Her plans: Majoring in equine science at Colorado State University, becoming a veterinarian and eventually opening a riding center for the hearing-impaired.
In her words: "A lot of people think deaf people aren't capable of certain things. They may be perfectly capable. My mom wanted to ride when she was little, but the trainer said she can't hear, so she can't ride."
The view from the guidance office: "To me, her greatest contribution is being the person she is," Zingale said. "She's bright and she's active, but she's also very caring."
