Annual Tea Celebrating Deaf Culture to take place September 18 in Hall of Flags

September 11, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 11, 2025

Annual Tea Celebrating Deaf Culture to take place September 18 in Hall of Flags

Governor Mills will open the event with welcoming remarks

AUGUSTA - In celebration of Deaf culture and the heritage of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf literature, art and folklore, Governor Janet Mills has issued a https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/officialdocuments/proclamations/2025-08-deaf-culture-week-september-21-27" target="blank">proclamation designating the week of Sept. 21 through 27, 2025, as Deaf Culture Week. To kick off the week, the Commission for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened will hold its 34th Annual Award Ceremony and Tea on Sept. 18, from 2 to 4 p.m., in the State House's Hall of Flags in Augusta. Governor Mills will be in attendance and offer opening remarks.

Mary Jane "MJ" Grant will give the keynote address. This year, the commission will present seven awards in seven categories to individuals who have contributed to Deaf culture in Maine.

Award recipients are:

• Promoting of American Sign Language, Deaf Culture and Deaf People Award Gina M. Pitcher

• Citizenship Youth Award Lucky Samuel Iraoya

• Ginny Hewes Advocate for the Needs of the Deaf Community Award Maria "Mars" Hammond

• Outstanding Citizenship Award Emily Blachly

• Special Commendation Award Maine Sign Language Interpreter Collective - MeSLIC

• Dr. Toni H. Rees Interpreter Award Polly Lawson

• Clifton F. Rodgers Lifetime Achievement Award Margaret Ryan

The Division of the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Late Deafened, part of the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS) in the Maine Department of Labor, works to bring about full access to employment, independence and community integration for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For more information about hiring people with disabilities or identifying job training resources for people with disabilities, visit your local CareerCenter, call 1-855-ALL-HIRE (TTY users call Maine Relay 711).