The Clerc Classic Basketball Tournament originated at the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in 2000 under its Athletic Director, Michael Weinstock, who envisioned a national basketball tournament for outstanding athletes from the top Deaf schools. The tournament typically occurs during the second weekend of January. The school who wins that year's tournament often wins the year's Deaf Prep National Championship. Laurent Clerc? Laurent Clerc was born on December 26, 1785. An accident struck him at a young age: one side of his face was burnt after he fell into a fireplace. The fever resulting from the burnt ended with Clerc becoming Deaf. Clerc had such devoted parents who sought various medicinal cures before learning about the Royal Institution for the Deaf in Paris, France. Clerc's parents enrolled him at the school where he was put under the guidance of the school's director, Abbe Roche-Ambroise Sicard. The school utilized sign language as the language of instruction which allowed many of Clerc's hidden talents to emerge. Clerc completed his study in seven years and was rewarded with the position of assistant teacher, in charge of the highest class at the Institution. He eventually moved up as teacher. An event happened in 1816 during Clerc's eight year of teaching which changed his life forever. He met a young idealist from America, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, who was searching for an educational system for the Deaf. Gallaudet then observed Clerc working with students during numerous situations. Gallaudet ultimately asked Clerc to help him establish the first school for the Deaf in America. Clerc accepted and bade farewell to his family, friends, and boss. Gallaudet and Clerc set sail from France on June 18, 1816. During the 52-day voyage, they continued to share their knowledge with each other. Upon arrival in America, Clerc and Gallaudet began fundraising efforts by having Clerc present on instruction methods for the Deaf with Gallaudet assisting as interpreter. They traveled along the east coast, from Boston to Philadelphia, for nearly seven months. They taught and interviewed parents of Deaf children, garnering community support at the same time. Their efforts paid off with the establishment of the first school for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut on April 15, 1817. Clerc taught there for the next 41 years providing lessons in sign language and teacher training. Clerc married a former pupil, Elizabeth Broadman, and fathered four children. Clerc died on July 18,