Language brings many people together all over the world, especially at Oakdale High School. Deaf and hearing students come together and meet in a group so they can teach others and practice their own sign language. ASL Club is an important opportunity for students to join to get involved in Deaf culture, while being able to hangout with friends. 

American Sign Language is used by Deaf and hard of hearing individuals to communicate through  hand signals, facial expressions, and gestures. The club offers many activities to participate in during each meeting. Students can work with others, or by themselves to grow their knowledge of ASL.

Elizabeth Mulcahy, advisor of the club, aims for it to be a way students can learn, and have a good time. She shares, “My goal for ASL club is to make it student focused and student centered, and so I would love for the students to plan the activities.”

Many students are returning to ASL club this year, as it was such a fun club last year. Junior, Kaelin Bailey states, “I wanted to come back to keep practicing and help others if they need it.”

Senior Caitlin Perry adds on, “I came back because I liked helping my ASL 1 friends and having conversations with other people who know ASL.”

While many returned, countless new members joined. There are about 75-80 members total this year. With such a big group, Mulcahy hopes to get everybody engaged and learning each meeting. She comments, “I like it when the students learn from each other, because it’s not a lot of time, so it’s really fun to see them learn at least one thing every single time they come.”

The club has been promoted by word of mouth and on the morning announcements. The goal is to get as many students to join each year as possible, and spread the knowledge of ASL. There are many Deaf students at Oakdale as well, which encourages the spread of ASL throughout the school. This opportunity helps students better communicate with their friends and peers..

Many students wish to gain something out of joining clubs, and in ASL club, returning members are passionate about what they hope to get out of it. Perry claims, “I hope to break the stigma that surrounds asl and get as many people to join and learn asl.”

No signing skills are needed to join the club and it is a fun way to get involved with students, and Deaf culture. Many members are looking forward to being in the club this year, and can’t wait to start signing!