By Keena Miller
On March 31st, The Austin Chapter of Service to Mankind (SERTOMA) recognized middle school students at the Texas School for the Deaf as part of Sertoma’s National Heritage Freedom & Democracy Program. Chartered by SERTOMA International, the Austin Sertoma Club sponsors the annual competition for TSD middle school students, and kicks things off during United States Freedom Week each February.
Following a tour of the Texas State Capitol and lunch in the Capitol Grill hosted by the Austin Sertoma Club, students were tasked with presenting to the club “Why I’m Proud to be an American”. Each student developed a poster submitted along with a written essay and gave a formal presentation to club committee members for judging.
First and second place winners received digital cameras, and all students were recognized with a commemorative Capitol of Texas patch for participating.
Austin Sertomans have provided support and sponsorships to individuals and groups in the Austin community since 1963, and has worked with TSD for more than 30 years, sponsoring projects like this and providing scholarships and assistance to deaf and hard of hearing students in Texas.