learn here hero winners
(David Born and Alex Garcia with other 2023 Learn Here Hero’s)

Alex Garcia is the type of person you know you can count on to call when a problem arises. As a former graduate of Washington School for the Deaf (WSD), Alex sees this school's positive impact on young people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Alex is a huge advocate of cultivating an environment that is centered upon equal communication and access, so he now works as a maintenance mechanic where he dedicates his time to ensuring that WSD is a functional, welcoming, and safe place for all who attend. Not only is Alex a dedicated worker to his school, but he does so with the utmost positive attitude. He is the ultimate problem-solver, wants nothing more than to help others, and sees his job as a way to alleviate stress on those around him. Even further, he sets the tone of each day with the underlying intention to be a positive role model for kids who witness the hard work he puts in each day. Alex is known among staff for his can-do attitude, friendliness, and smile. David Born is a retired Deaf teacher for Washington School for the Deaf (WSD) and in his retirement offers his time by serving as Treasurer for the Deaf Education Advocates Foundation (D.E.A.F.). As WSD is a state-funded school, there are a variety of needs for students of WSD that ultimately need additional funding in order to be secured. As such, David and his team work on putting together an array of various fundraising events—like Bucks for Kids at Dutch Bros Coffee or through Washington Gives. A former graduate himself, David sees the incredible work that WSD does for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. He wants kids who attend WSD to have infinite opportunities, to be able to experience all that life has to offer, and for each of those students to know that they are supported and that they are not alone.

To view the full article, visit this link: 2023 Learn Here Hero Article