Deaf Students Meet World Leaders--World Around You, Gallaudet University

M A R C H / A P R I L - 1 9 9 7

Deaf Students Meet
World Leaders

Clinton and Gore in Tennessee

When President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore landed at the Knoxville airport, students from the Tennessee School for the Deaf were there to greet them.

At first the students were disappointed. The crowd was huge. They were far away from where the Clinton and Gore would be. They could not see the interpreter. But they waited anyway.

After "what seemed like ages," Susan Whitaker, TSD senior, saved the day.

Using voice and gesture, Susan announced to the crowd that the TSD students were deaf and moving to the front to be near the interpreter. Susan led the group as they made their way through the crowd of people. The people moved aside and let them pass. Soon the students and teachers found themselves in the special area in the front. In that area, students not only could see the interpreter better, but they were greeted personally by Clinton and Gore.

Clinton and Gore were quick to show their political skills. President Clinton signed "I love you," according to Janet Matthews, TSD English teacher, and Vice President Gore signed "I love you" and "thank you."

Barry Swafford, a TSD graduate who now teaches history there, arranged the airport expedition.

"... having the President communicate in our language, well it certainly influenced a few 'undecided' votes," the school newspaper, The Tennessee Observer, said.

Love You

I went to Knoxville Airport
To see the President and Vice President
I was there waiting for them to arrive.
I was a little nervous
to meet them;
I've never met a president before.
I thought I would never have
the chance to meet a president
But...
When I saw the President
and the Vice President
Coming to us to shake hands...
Then said "I love you"
in sign language.
When they said that!
It was wonderful for me
To meet the first and second
Most important men
in our country!

—Amanda Holmes
Tennessee School for the Deaf

Gorbachev in South Dakota

Vickie Bleeker and Amy Adams, students from South Dakota School for the Deaf, had the opportunity to question Mikhail Gorbachev at a Sioux Falls press conference.

Gorbachev, the former Russian premier who led his country away from communism, visited South Dakota last fall. At the press conference, he said that he believed in democracy and the American political system.

SDSD assistant journalism advisor Paul Rohrer accompanied the students.

General comments may be sent to: ISCS.ClercCenter@gallaudet.edu