ASL and English Bilingualism

Thanks to the generosity of Mary Ann White, this rare postcard - from her personal collection - depicts a historic Cave Spring Hotel. Mary Ann also shared captivating tale of her father who lived at this iconic landmark, which is a reminder that our GSD community is brimming with untold stories. Join me as I explore this fascinating piece of GSD's past. ♥️

The Cave Spring Hotel Postcard ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: The Cave Spring Hotel Postcard A few years ago, my friend Mary Ann White, a 1974 graduate of the Georgia School for the Deaf, showed me a red-tinted postcard (circa 1935) her family had preserved.

My lifelong friendship with Donna is truly priceless. We've shared countless adventures since our childhood days. I'm eternally grateful to GSD, Gallaudet University, and other Deaf Schools for blessing me with amazing friendships that have enriched my life in countless ways. There's truly nothing more precious than these lasting connections filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.♥️

A Lifetime of Laughter and Friendship ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: A Lifetime of Laughter and Friendship Donna Farris and I met as children at the Georgia School for the Deaf, unaware that it would lead to our lasting friendship. While Donna later became a beloved figure

Here’s my latest column today. Did you know that GSD has a hidden history as a training ground for Deaf military cadets, dating back to 1916? 🤯 That's right… our beloved school has a rich military past that few know about. It's time to shine a light on this incredible piece of GSD history! Preserving our heritage is crucial. ♥️

When Georgia School for the Deaf Had Military Cadets ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: When Georgia School for the Deaf Had Military Cadets My friend Terry Tinnell, owner of the Simmons House in Cave Spring, emailed me on April 18. He said he hired professional metal detectors to explore the area. Among the

Jim Whitworth was the best of the best! He was a fantastic superintendent who brought American Sign Language back to GSD, our second home. Without his decision, I wouldn’t be here today. I would have struggled immensely without ASL. Thankfully, ASL was introduced just as I started at GSD, during Jim's tenure. Thank you, Jim! 🤟🏻I hope you had a wonderful birthday in Heaven yesterday. 🎉♥️

Jim Whitworth: A Champion for the Deaf ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Jim Whitworth: A Champion for the Deaf Tuesday would have been the 91st birthday of Jim Whitworth, the 11th superintendent of Georgia School for the Deaf, who served from 1973 to 1984. We honor his remarkable contributions

It has been exactly four weeks since Robby departed from this Earth. The accident was preventable. I had hoped to visit him in Trion when he was alive, but instead, I attended his burial. 🥲

This column is my dedication to Robby, ensuring his memory will be preserved in the RNT archives forever. ♾️

I pray that his belongings, such as his trophies, pictures, and GSD uniforms, will be donated to the Steele Museum (formerly GSDAA Museum). I want future generations to remember and honor him. In my heart, he will always be preserved and remembered. He was like a brother to me.🤟🏻

Rest In Peace, Bro Robert Wayne “Robby” Dalton October 17, 1967-July 3, 2024 💔

Remembering Robby Dalton, Trion's Instant Millionaire ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Remembering Robby Dalton, Trion's Instant Millionaire Georgia School for the Deaf is like a second home for deaf students; we’re a tight-knit family...

Mama (my beloved grandmother Lillie Ward) was the heart of our family. Today would have been her 120th birthday. We all cherished her and miss her dearly; she truly was the center of our world. Let's send our birthday love and greetings to her in Heaven. Thank you in advance for your kind thoughts and virtual birthday wishes for Mama! 🎂✨ ♥️

Heart of the Family ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Heart of the Family Today would have been my grandmother Lillie Ward’s 120th birthday. We affectionately called her “Mama.” This date also marks my parents’ wedding anniversary. This column is dedicated to Lillie and

Here’s my column about the community coming together to keep Chubbtown beautiful. Enjoy! ♥️

Chubbtown Cleans Up ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Chubbtown Cleans Up Nestled in a rural area with rolling hills adorned by green trees, Chubbtown is an unincorporated town with a rich history. It was settled by the Chubb brothers and their

Here's my column about the Jesus ASL Movie shown at the West Cinema on June 30th. The theater holds 124 seats, and 128 moviegoers came! Huge thanks to all supporters who turned out for the movie! Here's hoping to see more ASL movies shown in theaters nationwide in the future! 🤞🏻♥️

Deaf Community Turns Out for ASL ‘Jesus’ Screening ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Deaf Community Turns Out for ASL 'Jesus' Screening The deaf community across the USA had been eagerly awaiting the release of the ASL movie “Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film,” where biblical characters converse entirely in American Sign Language.

Here’s the story about how we threw a surprise party for our beloved teacher Micki Gaines last Saturday. Enjoy! ♥️

“Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film” is a big deal to me because it is the first-ever full-length movie that is fully in ASL and distributed everywhere in theaters. I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing it at the West Cinema in Cedartown this Sunday. I would love to see more ASL movies in thousands of theaters for both deaf and hearing moviegoers to enjoy, and a dedicated ASL channel every day too! Hope y’all can go watch “Jesus” this Sunday, especially since Cedartown is where the first deaf school that supported ASL and other signed languages was opened 190 years ago, which later became today’s GSD in Cave Spring! Here’s my short column below about this movie. ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Historic ASL 'Jesus' Movie Showing in Cedartown on Sunday This weekend marks an historic milestone for the ASL community. The West Cinema in Cedartown will screen “Jesus: A Deaf Missions Film,” the first full ASL film ever shown. It’s

In the summer of 1987, before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) came into effect, Sheri Peeks generously took the time to help me understand what our bosses at PSD wanted us to do. As a result, my job performance sailed smoothly. Thank you, Sheri! What’s even more heartwarming is that Sheri still remembers the ASL signs I taught her! 🌟 ♥️

Polk School District Ties Intertwine ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Polk School District Ties Intertwine I recently had the pleasure of reconnecting with my wonderful friend, Sheri Peeks, at the Polk School District on South College Street in Cedartown, Georgia. It was a nostalgic trip

Micki Gaines: A Teacher Beloved by Many ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Micki Gaines: A Teacher Beloved by Many Micki Gaines was my teacher for one year, from 1981-1982, on Gordon Campus (now Perry Campus) at Georgia School for the Deaf. I was 11 years old, and my five

Check out the RNT column about the new CVA historical marker! Thanks to everyone's support, the new CVA marker is finally here for all to see. 👏

Since CVA supported signed languages, who would love to see ASL offered in all public schools? No more hidden Deaf schools and suppressed ASL/signed languages! They are wonderful, just like any other schools and spoken languages! 🙌

Thanks again, and happy reading! 😘♥️

CVA Historical Marker: Honoring the Past and Celebrating the Present ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: CVA Historical Marker: Honoring the Past and Celebrating the Present I had the privilege of delivering a speech at the unveiling of the Cedar Valley Academy historical marker on Saturday at the Asa Prior cemetery in Cedartown. In my closing

Seven Generations from Georgia's First School for the Deaf ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Seven Generations from Georgia's First School for the Deaf Next week marks a significant moment in Georgia’s history: The unveiling of a historical marker for Cedar Valley Academy. It’s the state’s first school for the Deaf and the first

Graduates Build Community Connections Over Time ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Graduates Build Community Connections Over Time Today, May 29th, marks the shared anniversary of my mother’s and my high school graduations, 65 and 36 years ago respectively. Although we graduated from two different schools, 29 years

Ever wondered if your brows are saying more than your mouth? So, raise an eyebrow (or two) and check out today's RNT column, "Eyebrows Speak Louder Than Words," to learn how these furry arches are key to rocking a conversation in ASL! 🤨📰✨♥️

Eyebrows Speak Louder Than Words ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Eyebrows Speak Louder Than Words A 7-year-old girl scrunched her eyebrows as she spelled “Annalise” with nimble fingers in ASL, answering a classmate’s inquiry about her name. Mastering expressive eyebrows, a cornerstone of American Sign

Open Hearts, Open Doors: Mike Burton's Legacy ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: Open Hearts, Open Doors: Mike Burton's Legacy On May 6, 1944, Michael “Mike” Joe Burton was born to Joe and Burnita Burton in Villa Rica, Georgia. He has five siblings, two of whom died in infancy.

Many people don't know that affluent families often hired private tutors for their deaf children —such as the Deaf Flournoy Brothers, Deaf Priors, and Alice Cogswell—long before schools like the American School for the Deaf (Connecticut) were established. These children were exposed to signed languages before receiving formal education. It's also important to remember that signed languages have always been present in deaf communities around the world. Deaf schools served as the fertile ground where signed languages, Deaf culture, and rich history flourished. Cedar Valley Academy, the first school for the deaf in Georgia, was built nearly 190 years ago. However, its history remained unknown for many years. Fortunately, a ceremony will be held this June 8th to finally dedicate a historical marker in honor of CVA! ♥️

The Legacy of Cedar Valley Academy ♥️

ADONIA K. SMITH: The Legacy of Cedar Valley Academy A month from today, on June 8, Cedartown will be rightfully recognizing a piece of local history. A well-deserved and long-overdue historical marker will be dedicated to honor the legacy