A heartfelt community joined by the love of a unique language with a deep and expressive culture behind it with over half a million people actively using it across the United States. Though this one is not spoken but signed.
Sponsored by World language Teacher Heather Wilk, American Sign Language (ASL) is the one of the newest clubs on campus- an exciting addition to the dozens of unique already existing clubs here at Sunnyslope.
One main reason for students founding ASL club was for love of the language and culture and wanting other students across Sunnyslope to learn about ASL.
Wilk saw the excitement in this and wanted to help it grow.
Club President Ruth Forester said the club’s main goal is “increasing cultural awareness for the Deaf community and creating a chill environment to practice signing.”
One of the club’s goals is to inform and teach people about members and groups of the Deaf community that use ASL.
Seeing how it is not only a language but a complex culture as many people use it as their main way to communicate with and express themselves to others.
“It is important to take advantage of opportunities to learn about different groups and members of our community. Learning to be more inclusive strengthens our school and community,” said Wilk.
ASL club is an educational club.
Additionally though, Forester and other members want to take more action and be involved with the school and community.
The club had to table multiple different ideas for next year because of it being new.
However, the club was able to express and show themself in the Homecoming parade allowing students to see what they have accomplished and exposing them to the world of ASL.
“I am proud of all the students that participate and feel comfortable contributing to the conversations. ASL Club is all about inclusion and it shows,” said Wilk.
With the club, it brings a welcoming environment so that all members old or new are encouraged to contribute to the conversation.
This gives members the ability to learn at their own pace and skill level.
Club Member Natalie Beute explained that it is working towards signing the Star Spangled Banner at basketball games starting hopefully next year, giving club members time to learn.
Each member has their own joys and favorites of ASL club.
Learning a new language, the background behind the culture and even just hanging out with friends are all highlights for them.
“I started dabbling in ASL and teaching my students ASL alongside Spanish. Ruth Forester heard about this and approached me as a potential sponsor,” said Wilk.
The club had humble beginnings when Forester approached Wilk about an idea that involved ASL and students .This later grew with just wanting a way to teach students new information about a language that then grew and then the club was formed. The club later grew support with members joining and is now as big as it is now.
“Now it’s time to recruit more practice partners and to expand into the local deaf community,” said Forester.
ASL club is up and running accepting new members who are willing to learn about the amazing world of ASL.
“It provides a new perspective that not many students, especially at Slope, would have otherwise. Without this club, there is no immersion of ASL or other chance for students to learn ASL,” said Beute.