Magnolia Speech School Executive Director Speaks to the Rotary Club of North Jackson

Valerie Linn, Executive Director, Magnolia Speech School, Jackson spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at its October 28 meeting. MS Linn discussed the school, its history and its mission assisting the hearing impaired children of Mississippi. The goal of the school is to have all of its students hearing via either cochlear implants or hearing aids or both so that they can participate in traditional educational programs. The school prefers to have their students hearing than using sign language. She said that  all children born in Mississippi are tested for hearing impairment shortly after birth. The school likes to begin working with parents shortly after diagnosis. Ms. Linn was accompanied by Mitzi Williams, an assistant teacher at Magnolia and Ms. Williams' daughter, Laney. Both Ms. Williams and Laney are hearing impaired and have benefited from cochlear implants. Laney has an operation scheduled for late November to install a second implant. Ms. Linn, Ms. Williams and Laney are shown in the pictures below.

Rotarian Witt Ruffin is shown at the table in the photo with Ms. Williams and Laney at the podium. Ms. Williams discussed the significance of Magnolia Speech School assisting her and her children in developing the ability to hear. Ms. Williams has three older children who have successfully transitioned to traditional schools. We thank the Williams and Ms. Linn for their very interesting and informative presentation. Magnolia will be holding its 20th annual draw down fund raiser Thursday, November 20 at the Country Club of Jackson from 6:30 - 9:30 pm. Rotarians are encouraged to attend to support the school.