JACKSONVILLE, Fla – At just 4 years old, Noah is already leading the way — proudly showing off his classroom, introducing his friends, and making sure the adults keep up.
After being diagnosed with a hearing impairment as a baby, his parents, Becca and Sean Cardenas, were filled with questions and uncertainty about what the future might hold.
Today, Noah is thriving.
This month’s Positively JAX story takes us inside Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech in Jacksonville, where children who are deaf or hard of hearing are learning to listen, talk, and pursue limitless possibilities.
Finding the right place
When Noah first arrived at Clarke, his parents remember feeling scared — but also relieved.
“We were for sure scared,” his parents said. “But at the same time, I think we got plugged in so quickly with Clarke that we felt very safe very quickly and knew that we were in the right place.”
At Clarke, the mission is simple but powerful: teach children who are deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk.
Using advanced technology like cochlear implants and hearing aids, teachers of the deaf, audiologists, and speech-language pathologists work with children from infancy through their teen years.
The goal is to prepare students academically and socially so they can succeed in neighborhood schools and beyond.
A remarkable transformation
When Noah started at the school, his parents say, he had “maybe one or two words.”
Now, he can’t stop talking.
“You can hear him now — he’s very talkative,” his parents said. “He’s really grown into his confidence and advocating for himself.”
His vocabulary has grown dramatically.
“He’s telling us things we didn’t know he would be able to tell us,” they said. “It’s been incredible to watch.”
Inside the classroom, that growth is happening everywhere. When students are asked who loves going to school, the answer is loud and enthusiastic: “Me! Me!”
Teachers say watching those transformations never gets old.
“It’s been amazing,” one teacher said. “Seeing the difference from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is incredible.”
Beyond speech and language, teachers say they also see growing independence.
Students who were once hesitant to try new things are now attempting tasks on their own before even asking for help.
Growing confidence
For Noah’s parents, the changes go far beyond words.
“This school is special because it gives Noah a place to grow, to shine, and to learn from teachers who really care,” they said.
In fact, Noah enjoys school so much that leaving at the end of the day can be the hardest part.
“He loves school. He does not like leaving school,” they said. “It’s his favorite part of the day.”
Perhaps the biggest milestone is seeing Noah experience childhood fully — running, jumping, climbing, and exploring just like any other kid.
“He’s got a lot of words and lots of opinions,” his parents said with a smile. “At the end of the day, all we can hope for is that we gave him the tools and resources — and he decided, ‘Yep, we’re going to talk.’”
Sweet support for local students
The community will soon have a chance to support students like Noah.
Clarke is preparing for its annual Ice Cream Run on Saturday, March 28 at St. Johns Town Center.
The event features a timed 5K and a one-mile walk/run with a brand-new race course and vendor area, all benefiting local students served by Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech.
The event is held in partnership with Marble Slab Creamery and Great American Cookies — and yes, there will be plenty of sweet treats waiting at the finish line.
For Noah and so many other children, it’s support that helps turn uncertainty into confidence — and possibility into reality.
Click here to register for the race