The school’s American Sign Language (ASL) Club is teaching students both the fundamentals of the language and introducing them to deaf culture.
ASL Club sponsor Bonnie DeGroot is a professional interpreter with 25 years of ASL experience. She started the program to give students greater access to communication.
“The hardest part of learning ASL is remembering that it is its own language, not just an English sign,” DeGroot said.
The club has attracted students with varied goals. Junior Elaina Ornelas joined because she wants to become fluent. She plans to rejoin the club next year.
“I want to become fluent someday because it could help my future and allow me to communicate with more people,” Ornelas said.
Meanwhile, Sophomore Cambrie Quillin was initially drawn to the club because her friends were members.
“I hope to learn simple signs,” Quillin said.
