The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program is proud to recognize the tremendous growth and accomplishments of Kitana E, a 5th-grade student from District 63 who attends the DHH Elementary program at Riley Elementary School.
Since joining us in 3rd grade, Kitana has shown remarkable progress. Her journey from using 2 to 3-word disjointed phrases to now conversing in complete sentences is genuinely inspiring. Kitana's eagerness to learn and form connections has led to a significant expansion of her vocabulary and improvement in her interaction skills. She has become a shining example for her peers, embodying the qualities of a language model and a caring friend who expresses genuine interest in others. Kitana's consistent effort in asking about her peers' lives and interests and her dedication to nurturing solid relationships are commendable.
Kitana is friendly with her DHH peers and her 5th-grade mainstream peers. She actively communicates with peers and adults alike, demonstrating a keen memory for important dates and events in others' lives. Her willingness to share knowledge and personal experiences, such as stories about her family, friends, and activities at home, reflects her openness and desire to connect with others. Kitana's inquisitive nature and her respectful and responsible behavior set her apart. She possesses knowledge of age-appropriate activities, interests, and colloquial language, absorbing new information quickly and applying it effectively. Kitana's enthusiasm for learning is palpable, making her a joy to have in the classroom.
In addition, Kitana's dedication to learning sign language since October 2021 has been remarkable. She has shown exceptional progress in acquiring fluency in sign language and demonstrates a unique ability to draw connections between signs with similar meanings but different expressions. Kitana's growth in sign language proficiency is a testament to her determination and openness to learning new skills. Her DHH teacher, Tierney Larson, and Speech-Language Pathologist, Missy Curry, can’t say enough about their pride in Kitana's achievements and their excitement for her continued growth and success as she transitions to middle school next year.
Congratulations, Kitana, on this well-deserved recognition for your outstanding accomplishments!
