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New School For The Deaf CEO Encourages Students To Pursue Dreams

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Some things are familiar on the first day of school - seeing old friends, rolling backpacks and being dropped off. Often, though, there is someone or something new.

At the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, one of the new faces on campus, is the school's CEO, Dr. Steven Farmer.

Dr. Farmer is the first CEO of the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in recent years, to be born deaf. His message for the students is to welcome them to a new year and encourage them to pursue their dreams.

"I'm very excited about working here," said Dr. Farmer. "When I arrived on July 1, I found that this place is like a family. Everyone here is like a family. The students, the teachers, the staff, are like one big family. It's an exciting place and wonderful place to work."

Speaking to KDKA with the assistance of an interpreter, Dr. Farmer said he wants the students to know that their possibilities are endless

"Here I am, and I'm excited to be a role model for our deaf children to show them that they indeed can do whatever they want, except hear," he said.

Students like Nick, who is a senior, welcomed Dr. Farmer to the campus that serves deaf and hard of hearing students from all across western Pennsylvania.

"I'm thrilled to be able to talk with him," said Nick. "I want to know more about him. I want to be able to help out, support WPSD, learn and gain vision."

At a morning assembly, Dr. Farmer shared his vision.

"I plan to tell them to celebrate themselves," said Dr. Farmer, "and help them realize that they can do whatever they want to do, that the sky is the limit."

Dr. Farmer has been in the position since July 1. He and his family have relocated to the Pittsburgh area, including his daughter, who is a student at the school.

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