11-04-2025
Willie Ross School for the Deaf Hosts Annual Gala
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – The Willie Ross School For The Deaf held its annual gala on Thursday.
They honored individuals and organizations who continue to support their mission.
This year's event was held at Bay Path University.
'It's been great to interact with organizations and individuals in the community who have been really supportive of our work,' says Burt Carter, President and CEO at Willie Ross School For The Deaf.
The school also offers an early intervention program.
Through this program, they are able to help those as young as newborns to three years old.
The outreach programs directly help families facing new challenges.
Around 93% of deaf and hard-of-hearing babies are born to hearing parents who have not experienced hearing difficulty.
Through their programs, they offer language development, American Sign Language, opportunities to connect with families in similar situations, and direct support at audiology appointments.
'This is a jewel in our backyard. A lot of people don't know about it. It's a wonderful program. I've been involved six or seven years now' says John Kelley, physician and board member at Willie Ross School for the Deaf.
22News was also recognized at the Gala for their continued support of their mission.
Morning News Co-Anchor, Taylor Knight, accepted the award on their behalf.
72 students are currently enrolled at the school.
Willie Ross also works with dozens of students enrolled in local public schools.
Over the next 10 year,s they hope to double in size.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on
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