Staff Report

 

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The staff and students within the American Sign Language Program at Mountwest Community and Technical College will host the annual “Brunch with Deaf Santa” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, at the main Mountwest campus.

“For those of us who are hearing, it’s easy to take for granted day-to-day activities and not think about how deaf individuals are affected,” Leigh-Ann Brewer, of the American Sign Language Program at Mountwest said. “This event allows deaf children from across the Tri-State to share their special wishes with Santa and experience the magic of the holidays.”

Deaf Santa Claus will be played by Mr. Ernest Williams of Hurricane, W.Va. As a Deaf individual that grew up with a hearing family, Williams never got the experience of sitting with Santa Claus as a child and was overjoyed with the opportunity to give back to the deaf community. His wife, Vickie Williams, is deaf and blind and will play the role of Mrs. Claus, and the deaf students of the Mountwest American Sign Language program will serve as Santa’s elves.

“It’s an honor for our students, staff and faculty to put on this event each year for the community,” Dr. Keith Cotroneo, President of Mountwest, said. “It’s truly a privilege to be a small part of allowing these children to experience the excitement that Santa Claus brings to the holidays.”

The event is open to the public and refreshments will be served.