Cheerleader Loren Howard Makes Athletic Events More Accessible for the Hearing Impaired
Junior cheerleader Loren Howard has been signing the National Anthem at home basketball games after learning American Sign Language to represent her sorority’s philanthropic efforts. As a cheerleader, Howard aims to make gameday spirit an inclusive experience. Her inspiration to sign the national anthem came from her membership in Truman’s chapter of Delta Zeta, a national social sorority.
DZ concentrates its philanthropic efforts on the hearing-impaired, partnering with the Starkey Hearing Foundation, the American Society for Deaf Children, and the SeriousFun Children’s Network to raise awareness for those with disabilities.
As part of its philanthropic mission, all DZ sisters learn bits of American Sign Language in their chapter meetings. Howard learned “The Star-Spangled Banner” through YouTube videos and performed it after being asked to represent DZ in a fraternity pageant. She specifically chose to sign the national anthem as she felt her performance would honor her grandfather, a U.S. veteran.
In the time between the pageant and the next Bulldog basketball home game, her coach learned of her abilities and suggested to Howard and Athletic Director Signe Coombs that she should perform her hidden talent at the upcoming game against Ursuline College on Nov. 14. Afterwards, she was invited back to perform the anthem before all home games for the rest of the 2025-2026 season.
Sign language interpreters are provided by the University and are always available upon request through the Student Access and Disability Services website. They are not traditionally featured at athletic events, unless requested by a student.
“Sign language interpreters are available, but most students who are hearing impaired can read lips well enough or have cochlear implants,” said Julie Sneddon, Director of Student Access and Disability Services. While Howard’s abilities may not be as useful to students who already have additional hearing assistance, Kirksville residents appreciate her contributions as they support community individuals who don’t have access to University resources.
Howard said, by far, the most rewarding part of signing the anthem is the appreciation from the community.
“Veterans and their spouses will seek me out at halftimes or after games to tell me how much it means to them,” Howard said.
