by Chris Turner, posted Tuesday, April 22, 2003 (21 years ago)
SPARTANBURG, S.C. (BP)--The tightly twisted blonde curls topping Lee Kirby's head jiggle in rhythm to his stride as he walks back to his pew. His smile reflects the affirmation he feels after receiving the biggest ovation he's ever seen. He's not real sure what hundreds of people clapping sounds like. Kirby, 16, is deaf. Meningitis took his hearing at age 3. He does, however, understand the smiles and the sea of nodded approvals.
Latrelle Pitts, 17, has her wavy golden locks pulled back into a short ponytail that bounces as she takes her seat. She can't hear the applause either but feels the same pride as Kirby.
The all-American-looking boyfriend and girlfriend have been in the same class at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind (SCSDB) since kindergarten. On this particular night they've pledged to abstain from sexual relations until they marry. It's the second most important decision of their lives.
Read More