Daevon Dukes is a senior student at Wheeling Park High School and in The Park Press. Dukes has been in Ohio County Schools his whole life, starting at Woodsdale Elementary, then Triadelphia Middle School, and finally ending his high school journey here at Wheeling Park. His experiences throughout school have been a little different than other students’ may have been, though, due to him being hard of hearing.
Dukes explains how he has been treated differently and that others should understand that being hard of hearing doesn’t make him less intelligent, and that deaf people also have goals and ambitions.
“People look at deafness like there’s a limit, like we can’t do anything. I mean, yes, we can’t hear, but we can still do things,” said Dukes.
He continues to explain his experiences.
“I had to fight for what I needed for my education. I have an IEP that gives me accommodations for my classes, but I don’t take advantage of all of them, I just use interpreters and closed captions. I don’t want to take the easy route,” said Dukes.
When asked if he has any advice for the underclassmen at Wheeling Park High School, he gave a very adamant answer.
“Don’t let other people tell you what you can and can’t do,” said Dukes.
He proceeds to say that this advice is specifically for students who feel held back, or like they can’t do anything.
“I was that person, so I want them to understand that they’re not alone,” said Dukes.
As mentioned earlier, Dukes is a Staff Writer for The Park Press. He also tried performing, but he realized that may not be his calling.
“I was never meant to be in the story, I was meant to write the story,” said Dukes.
The Park Press has allowed him to express himself and has helped him feel free, while gaining the ability to write anything. Writing isn’t the only way Dukes expresses himself, though; he also utilizes music as an expressive outlet. After high school, he wants to focus on music and welding.
“I plan on being a welder, I’ll be going to Northern for two years, I’ll receive my associate’s degree. I will do more music too,” said Dukes.
Although he has an exciting plan set for after high school, Daevon Dukes will definitely be missed at Wheeling Park and in The Park Press.
