Tzipporah.Benavraham@f632.n278.z1.fidonet.org (Tzipporah Benavraham) (05/30/91)
Index Number: 15826
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
05/21 14:27 EDT V0401
SALINA, Kan. -- Graduation breaks up a lot of high school
couples but rarely a pair together as long as Kurt Stoskopf
and Judy Brown.
They have been side by side in every class since Stoskopf,
17, was in the third grade and Ms. Brown entered his life as
his sign-language interpreter.
"It's been a fantastic nine years," Ms. Brown said on the
eve of the deaf youth's graduation Monday night from Salina
Central High School. "He's one in a million. I'll probably
never have another one like him."
Ms. Brown watched her own son graduate from high school
last year and said Stoskopf's graduation would move her to
tears as well.
"He's like another son to me," she said.
Stoskopf, who will study graphic design in Rochester,
N.Y., feels the same.
"I will probably never find someone to replace Judy,"
he said.
Stoskopf, deaf since birth, entered Salina schools at
age 8.
Ms. Brown has been more than an interpreter for the youth.
She has been a friend, counselor and tutor as well.
"Sometimes I nag him like a mom and tell him he has to
get good grades," Ms. Brown said as Stoskopf, sitting next to
her during an interview, mimicked her criticizing him about
doing his schoolwork and paying attention.
The nagging paid off: Stoskopf completed high school with
a 3.5 grade point average.
Stoskopf is looking forward to college but apprehensive
about working with new interpreters.
"Many interpreters just interpret; they come in and do
their job and leave," Stoskopf said. "I'll miss having
someone to talk to."
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