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KSD grads urged to 'just do it'

May 27, 2005|TODD KLEFFMAN

Like a celebration at the pitcher's mound after the final out of the World Series, the 11 members of Kentucky School for the Deaf's class of 2005 huddled giddily together as a group one last time Thursday before flinging their mortarboards toward the ceiling of Thomas Hall.

They had just received their diplomas and warmed the crowd by signing along with a bass-heavy remix of the Bill Withers' classic "Lean on Me." Now it was out into the real world.

Commencement speaker Timothy Owens, who teaches at Eastern Kentucky University's interpreter training program, cautioned the grads that they will face many new challenges after leaving the insulated life they enjoyed at KSD, where almost everyone knows sign language and the world is geared to deal with their lack of hearing.

"The world is out there waiting for you. It is the best place for you," said Owens, who is deaf. "It's not going to be easy for you because you grew up at Kentucky School for the Deaf. It's a greater challenge. But don't be afraid when you go out in the world. You will make it a better place."

Owens, who also co-founded and directs the Deaf Youth Sports Festival, told the graduates they will succeed if they remember DEAF - determination, enthusiasm, assertiveness and freedom.

"Be proud that you're deaf. It's an exciting world," he said. "Hold on to your hope and stay in the fight."

Stanford resident is valedictorian

Class valedictorian Amos Jared Reid of Stanford told classmates how the advertising slogan "Just do it" helped him overcome obstacles and became his mantra. He said he repeated the words to himself when he got into a tough spot, like being nervous in a football game or jumping off a high rock ledge into a lake.

"I would always be the last person to jump because it was so high up. I'd get right to the edge and stop. That quote helped me believe, gave me confidence, took away my fears," Reid told his classmates. "Just do it. Try as hard as you can, and things will work out for you. Just do it. That's the key."

Reid excels at welding and plans to attend Central Kentucky Technical College. He earned several scholarship prizes that will help pay for his education.

Salutatorian Michael Andrew Harrell of Bardstown told the crowd he didn't even know sign language when he came to KSD four years ago. Though difficult at first, the move ultimately helped him move forward because of help from teachers and interpreters, he said.

"I'm glad I came to KSD because the classes are small and I was able to get the attention I needed," Harrell said. "I am now ready to start a new chapter in my life."

The graduates

Members of the KSD Class of 2005 are: Brittany Nicole Bentley of Stanford, Todd Edward Bragg of Junction City, Derrick Brewster of Grayson, Teleia Michelle Gibson of Elizabethtown, Donigale Goodlett of Louisville, Michael Andrew Harrell of Bardstown, Roderick Hodge of Louisville, Joshua David Huffman of Danville, Michael Lynn Murrell of Lexington, Amos Jared Reid of Stanford, and Luis Felipe Simpson of Danville.

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