Poca Elementary 5th graders are not learning sign language for a class project. They're learning it for one very special student.

Educational Interpreter, Rikki Lowe, says, "They've taken the last two years to really learn sign language to better communicate with Robin. They don't get recognized for it. It's not on the West Test. It's not something they can get a grade for. They did it just because they wanted to."

Eleven-year old Robin Cochran is the only student at Poca Elementary who is deaf and has decided to stay in a public school. But her disability has not interfered with her love of learning and making friends.

Robin's 5th grade teacher, Carla Craigo, says,"Except for the hearing part she's just like every other kid in the classroom."

Although students say it's tough learning sign language, they say they were willing to make the sacrifice so they could talk with their friend."

5th grader Jennifer Casto says, "If she's my best friend then I need to talk to her."

Robin's other friend Krista Goodwin agrees, "I wanted to talk to her in her own language because she can't talk as well as we can and she can't hear as well as we can, so I just thought we would be able to learn it."

Robin says she appreciates her friends and other students in her class taking the time to learn sign language. She says it shows just how much the students care.

Robin says, "It makes me feel special. I like being a Dot."

She loves the Dots and the Dots love her.

The 5th graders will videotape themselves signing and singing Country Roads for their 5th grade graduation.