The Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf now has two students who will serve as ambassadors for deaf students across the country.
Alec Lindsey, 17, of Cabot, and Megan Majocha,17, of Plum, were crowned Mr. and Miss Teen Deaf America at a pageant held Sunday in Riverside, Calif.
Both students have attended WPSD in Edgewood since preschool, although they attend school in their home districts for a half day each weekday. They excel in other areas as well: Megan leaves today for the Academic Bowl Competition in Washington, D.C., and Alec is a member of the BOTS IQ team, said Vicki Cherney, WPSD spokeswoman.
The annual pageant was established in 1999 at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington, D.C., with the goal to promote young deaf emerging leaders, leading to a stronger deaf community. The pageant gives students an opportunity to develop leadership qualities, learn teamwork and social skills, enhance their self-esteem and appreciate diversity. It its open to students who are deaf or have hearing problems in grades 8 through 11.
The duo competed against students in seven other schools across the nation, according to Becky Gage, who coordinates the pageant.
Source: Post-Gazette