Jessica Moralez
Jordan Leonard
The American Sign Language (ASL) club had a successful turn out at club rush this year. Attracting those interested in wanting to learn and practice the language, many may not be able to take the class this year.
Not only does the ASL club plan events for their members, they teach ASL and non-ASL students about deaf culture. Meeting every Friday at lunch in room 706, they hold many events such as Silent Starbucks (where students can only communicate by signing), recitals, and much more. But this year, they have more than just coffee brewing.
Junior Starr Lang, ASL club president, said “We have review dates, and our first Silent Starbucks is coming up on September 28th. This year we are also working on creating new spirit wear for the team.”
ASL is also impressing those around school who have no connection to the deaf community. Students are on board, from planning different program performances for the school to having meetings at restaurants off campus to help enhance their skills.
“I feel like the programs would really help increase their ASL communication ability,” said Freshman Mia Ruiz, “...they need to apply it to the real world.”
Like every club at MVHS, ASL has an origin on campus. Ms. Jones, the ASL teacher and club advisor, likes to think back to why she became a teacher and why she loves being part of the ASL/ Deaf community.
“Teaching was a happy accident,” Ms. Jones said. “ I was taking a break between my Masters and PhD when I got the opportunity to start teaching. It also pays me the big bucks,” she said with a sly smile. “Visually seeing the words helps me to understand the language. Plus, sometimes I just don’t like hearing people talk,” she added.
Even though most of ASL club plans are still in the developmental stage, club leaders are committed to working harder than last year, so the ASL club members leave with more knowledge and the non-club members leave impressed.