Deaf Man Celebrates 25th Year Participating in Great American Teach-In
"The kids are so awesome to me. They talk to me in sign language, we laugh and have fun," said Tom Cooney, 77, who visited Largo's Osceola Middle School last week.
Tom Cooney has been visiting Largo's Osceola Middle School for 25 years now, and he couldn't be happier about it. The 77-year-old is pretty much considered a legend at the school. Throughout the quarter of a century that he's been there, he's made quite a connection with students and staff. It's safe to say they adore him. For the past 25 years, the Clearwater resident has participated in the Great American Teach-In. He does not arrive at the school in a uniform or bring any tools of a particular trade, because he's there to explain to kids what it's like to be deaf. Every year, he visits teacher Brenda Dannewitz's classes. "I admire his ability to be able to talk about his life and share anything," said Dannewitz. "The kids ask him lots …
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