The West Orange High School (WOHS) Italian Club recently sponsored an inspiring visit for World Language students from Andrea Turco, a successful graphic designer and advocate who was born deaf. "The theme of Andrea's visit was "Language has no barriers," said Italian teacher Rosanna Zamloot. "My goal was for not only the Italian Club members but all our World Languages club members to be inspired by Andrea's journey in life as a deaf person."

Turco was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at 13 months old. She received special education and training at Summit Speech School and Brookdale Elementary, attended Mountain Lakes High School, and attended the Rochester Institute of Technology, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. Following college, she received a cochlear implant that allows her to hear the "shhhh" sound.