You can say so much without saying a single word, the beauty of speaking with your hands. Speaking a language known as American Sign Language (ASL). Here at Grantsville High School an ASL class and club is offered and available for all students. Even if you don’t take ASL class, “We accept everyone and anyone, you don’t even need to be in the class to be a part of the club,” said Ashlee Mirgeler, ASL teacher.
ASL is a class where students get to not only learn about the language and how to sign, but the culture and the history of American Sign Language. The deaf community has had many struggles with getting recognition in the past, ASL was only officially recognized as a language 63 years ago, in 1960 by William Stokoe, a scholar and hearing professor at Gallaudet University. People in the hearing community think that something is wrong with deaf people, but that isn’t the case. Deaf people are more than capable of doing everything a hearing person can. They deserve the same treatment and respect despite their differences. Deaf people can drive, become lawyers, become doctors, and be just as successful as a hearing person. Being deaf doesn’t mean you’re dumb, which is a stereotype made by hearing people.
ASL club meets once a month to try and promote the language, to advocate and shine light on the deaf community and culture. The club also interprets the theater when they happen, so stay a look out and go watch them tell a story with their hands. The ASL club has a range from freshmen to seniors. Freshman, Zoie Kell, member of ASL club said, “ASL club has made high school better so far by creating a much more fun environment, the biggest impact would be the friendships I’ve made from the club.”
“As a teacher, what I want students at Grantsville High School to know is that if you have a passion for something then go find it. For me it is ASL and I care deeply about it,” said Ashlee Mirgeler, ASL teacher. Go find your passion, and who knows that passion may be for ASL and you didn’t even know it.
