Students celebrate special day

From: KDSK, MO - May 24, 2003

By Sharon Stevens KSDK

At the Central Institute for the Deaf in St. Louis, nine students celebrated a very special graduation day.

Some were born deaf, but today, they all "spoke" words of gratitude as they prepare to MOVE ON TO mainstream schools.

It was a day of pride for parents and students.

This was a double-celebration for the Pacheco family; sons Wayne and Augustin both received their certificates.

This is CID'S 88th commencement. Hundreds of children have graduated from the school including a former Miss America.

Heather Whitestone has returned to the school several times.

CID students graduate at different ages, depending, in part, on their readiness to attend mainstream schools.

This year's grads range in age from four to 11; most have the same sense of determination.

Also graduating today, 14 adults who received their Masters' Degrees in speech and hearing from Washington University in St. Louis.

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