
The ASL Club is dedicated to teach American Sign Language (ASL) and expand the ASL program on campus. Open to all students, the club provides an opportunity to learn the language and explore deaf culture. “Our goal is to teach sign language and to expand the ASL program at Royal,” club president and senior, Krystal Waters, said. “It allows students to try ASL without committing to the class.”
The club holds weekly meetings on Tuesdays in Mr. Christian Pine’s classroom at lunch, where members learn new signs and discuss Deaf culture. Additionally, they host an annual ASL workshop, which introduces students to the basics of sign language in an engaging, hands-on format. “ASL is a physical, moving, 3-dimensional language,” Mr. Pine explained. “Students with a ‘visual/manual’ learning style could benefit greatly.”
Learning ASL offers benefits both in and out of school. It introduces students to a new and practical language while creating opportunities to connect with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. “Knowing even basic ASL can alleviate stress in Deaf or Hard of Hearing people at a job or out in public,” Waters said.
Moreover, ASL builds awareness of how gestures and signs play a role in communication. “Many gestures that are assumed to mean nothing actually have significant meaning in sign language,” Waters said. Whether it’s learning the sign for “hello” or understanding Deaf culture, the ASL Club fosters inclusion, understanding, and connection among highlanders and the Deaf community. The ASL Club reflects how highlanders are committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all, where highlanders can connect through ASL.