Students from School for the Deaf get big send-off before heading to Washington for academic competition

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Story Created: Apr 23, 2009 at 3:28 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 23, 2009 at 4:49 PM EST

ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - They won the Northeast Regional Academic Bowl title, and now, students from the New York State School for the Deaf in Rome are on their way to Washington, D.C. and, they hope, the national title.

During the competition, they must answer questions about a variety of subjects, both individually and as a team.

On Thursday, the community gave them a big send-off at the school as they head to Gallaudet University in our nation's capital.

Carrie Ann Ray, the school superintendent, says the team's achievement shows that even though they are exceptionally talented, they're also just like everyone else.

"We're just like everybody else," Ray said. "And I think this is something that solidifies that. Not only are we representing the deaf community and the deaf culture - we're representing Rome, representing New York State. So, for us, I think, we wanted to get the word out and let everyone know what was happening."

On Thursday, the team got a police escort as they headed to Hancock International Airport in Syracuse.

The National Academic Bowl Competition is April 24 through the 28.

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