Pittsfield Man Joins Willie Ross School Board

January 26, 2011 - Thomas F. Laurin of Pittsfield has been named to the Willie Ross School for the Deaf Board of Trustees. Laurin, a second-generation supporter  of the school, takes his father’s place on the board.

Francis T. Laurin, Laurin’s father, served on the board for many years and, additionally, established the Laurin Audiological Center for Children in Pittsfield as a resource for the families of deaf children in Berkshire County.  Francis Laurin’s personal struggle with hearing loss has made the school an important priority to his family.

Thomas Laurin remembers, "Throughout my entire life I always saw my dad with hearing aids. And, since I spent a lot of time with him, I took it upon myself to make sure that he understood what was being said by repeating conversations for him. Much of the time he had to read lips to participate in conversation. This struggle was difficult for a man who always worked hard, loved being around people and knew how to have a good laugh without complaining or feeling sorry for himself."

Laurin says that his father loved seeing the deaf children of Berkshire County excel and sponsored annual events as opportunities for them to do so. According to the younger Laurin, "Working with the school rewards me with being part of something that brought much joy to my father. I also get to work with other board and committee members who are really great people.”

According to Louis Abbate, Ed.D., President and CEO of the school, “We’re so pleased that Tom has chosen to join the board in his father’s stead and carry on the family’s legacy of support of our school.”

The school serves children from 18 different school districts in Western Massachusetts.  The Willie Ross School for the Deaf provides a comprehensive educational program stressing academic excellence that focuses on the development of students’ intellectual, social, and emotional growth from the early childhood level through high school. Willie Ross serves students at its main campus in Longmeadow and at its partnership campus located in the East Longmeadow Schools. Mainstreaming opportunities are provided at the partnership campus.