Deer Park HS student signs national anthem in ASL at CFP national title game

Mayra Moreno Image
Thursday, January 11, 2024
Deer Park HS student thrilled after performing national anthem in ASL
Deer Park High School student William Stokes is ecstatic after performing national anthem in ASL during the 2024 CFP national title game in Houston.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- It was a special Monday night at the College Football Playoff National Championship for one student from Deer Park High School.

William Stokes, 18, is still on cloud nine after getting selected to perform the national anthem in American Sign Language that night.

ABC13 got a chance to catch up with Stokes to talk about that night and how it all came to be. He said it was his deaf education teacher who nominated him to try out, which he did, and then, not long after, he was surprised at home with the good news.

SEE ALSO: Michigan Wolverines beat Washington Huskies in CFP championship game at NRG Stadium

Stokes said he got a chance to meet American Idol winner Fantasia before performance day, and she was really nice.

"I was very nervous because it was my first time in front of a big audience and worldwide at the College Football Playoffs," Stokes said. "My signing was great, and I felt so proud of myself."

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