Hubbard High play in American Sign Language

Staff report

HUBBARD

Jessie Narkum, a sophomore at Kent State University at Trumbull, is co-directing performances of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” at 7 p.m. tonight and Saturday at Hubbard High School auditorium.

It won’t be a typical high-school play because Narkum, an American Sign Language major, and Hubbard High School ASL teacher Richard Magazzine, are producing the play entirely in ASL with audio translations available on a screen for the hearing audience.

Connecting her passion to her education is important to Narkum.

“I have friends who are deaf, so bridging communication has become my purpose,” said Narkum.

“I have been learning ASL since I was a junior in high school.”

Last year, along with Magazzine, she co-directed “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” in ASL.

Narkum is minoring in education.

Last fall, she was chosen for the first Kent State Trumbull homecoming court and is involved in student government.

“Narkum is a great example of who we want our students to strive to be,” said Lance Grahn, dean and chief administrative officer.

Tickets to “The Little Mermaid Jr.” are $7 ($5 for students and seniors) and will be sold at the door.