Deaf news briefs: Deaf girl signs national anthem; New superintendent for MD School for the Deaf
We have two quick deaf news briefs.
Deaf girl signs national anthem on TV
A deaf girl named Seven Chandler was featured as the ASL signer of “America the Beautiful” and the National Anthem during the pregame portion of the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday night in SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles County.
The California Association of the Deaf posted a clip. Here it is.
VIDEO [CREDIT TO CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF]
Seven is 10 years old and is a 4th grader at Marlton School. Marlton is a K-12 day school program within the LAUSD school district with over 100 deaf students and has an ASL and English curriculum.
People commented that they were impressed that there was a PIP screen for the ASL signer. Others were glad to see a local deaf student featured. Congratulations to Seven, what an honor.
We have been noticing more appearances of deaf people signing the national anthem for sports events since this past year.
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Mr. John Serrano new superintendent for Maryland School for the Deaf
The second news brief is that yesterday Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) announced their newly selected superintendent, a Latinx Deaf man, Mr. John Serrano. The school board of trustees voted unanimously to appoint him. This process took more than two years and MSD shared they are thrilled to announce this decision. MSD mentioned that Mr. Serrano will be the first person of color to lead MSD in its 155 years of history.
Corey Burton, the MSD board president, mentioned that Mr. Serrano had all the qualifications that made him an ideal leader for MSD.
Mr. Serrano graduated from American School for the Deaf (ASD). He went to Gallaudet for his BA and MA degrees. He used to be the Director of Academic Affairs at Texas School for the Deaf and the superintendent for Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. He recently served as an executive director of undergraduate admissions at Gallaudet University.
Mr. Serrano shared his comment as part of MSD’s announcement that he is thrilled to have been selected for MSD, and he looks forward to supporting the school’s theme this year of belonging and becoming. Mr. Serrano is the 12th superintendent to lead MSD and will begin his duties this month on January 25th.
Serrano:
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