Putnam patriot., 1930-05-29
RICHARD MAHONEY
 IS BEST NATURED
Although Hopelessly Crippled Will Receive AB Degree at
 Clark University
Uses His Teeth as Substitute for
 Helpless Hands

Richard Mahoney. brother of Man ager Mahoney of the Bradley and other theatres of the Interstate's chain, will be among the graduates of Clark University. Worcester. June l6. He will receive the degree of 4. B.
 The pluck of this young man, crip- pied since childhood by an attack of infantile paralysis. is outstanding. It is little wonder that his wonderful .ortitude, his conquering will, his un- daunted determination, have been featured in the press. With a hand ieap that would discourage the or dinary young men and would be apt to sour his disposition. Richard Mahoney Is not only to receive his diploma but he has been voted the best natured man in the graduating class.
 The Patriot some time ago carried an article about young Mahoney. He has occasionally visited his brother m Putnam and is known to those who have met him as cheerful, optimis- tic, individual. who does not take time to grumbe or rail at his lot. Had he done SO he could not have ac- conrplished his object. college career and a college diploma.
 Born in Worcester
 Mahoney was born in Worcester in 1894. He was a perfectly normal child. When he was four years old he suffered the attack of infantile paralysis. His life was dispaired of When it was found that he would live it was also determined that he would probably never walk, nor would he have the use of his arms or hands While his arms and legs are useless his brain is active. He uses his teeth in place of hands. He has a type writer. He uses this by grasping an old pen stub surmounted by a rub Der eraser between his teeth. He then bends forward and by bobbing his head up and down manipulates the typewriter keys with the pen stub. He writes with a fountain pen held in the same manner.
 It was in the State hospital at Can ton, Mass, that Mahoney received his elementary education. Then he was tutored. He read profusely. In the fall of 1926 he was allowed to enter Clark. Because of the fact that his secondary education had not been received in an accredited school he was admitted as special student However, his ability was so outstand- ing that he wps immediately allowed to enter the freshman class.
 Overeomes Obstacles
 The student overcame obstacles by substituting his brain for what he lacked physically. He stressed the study of languaees. While he has made English his speciality he has snent scarcely less time in the study of French, German and Spanish. with some Latin. One of his favorite studies was geology, but field trips were denied him.
 While he has put most of his time into academic work Mahoney has not neglected student activities He is a member of the staff of the Clark Quarterly. the student magazine. and also O. the staff of the senior year book. the Pasticcio. He is enthusias- .tic over sports and may always De found on the sidelines. He attends dances and other social functions. He is a favorite with the student body and they not only insist that he at tand but carry him to these functions. He has a pleasing voice and is often prevailed upon to sing. He had ann bitions to be a professional singer but he is now ambitiuns to write. He may study for an NJ. A. degree next year.