On Tues., Oct. 10, the American Sign Language (ASL) Club held their interest meeting for the 2023-2034 school year.
“The club began about five or six years ago,” SPFHS math teacher and ASL Club Advisor Michelle Giordano said. “We did not run the club during COVID, so I am glad students have stepped up to continue the organization. There is a lot of interest in the SPF community.”
The club is run by Giordano, junior Chelsea Martin, sophomore Elyse Lamberti, and senior Emily Cuccurullo.
“Learning ASL is important because it’s another form of communication that is more needed and helpful than most people think,” Martin said. “As someone who works in the food service, I come across people who use sign language all the time, and before learning ASL, it was very difficult to communicate with one another. Knowing ASL is not only helpful to yourself but helpful to others around you, because you never know when you might need it.”
The club highlights the importance of ASL and works towards teaching students how to use sign language. It also brings students together to learn a new skill and language that can allow them to communicate more easily with others.
This year, the leadership team hopes to work on fundraising and donating to deaf organizations. Martin told The Fanscotian that the group plans to have multiple food fundraisers to donate to deaf organizations in need. They also want to invite a guest speaker to come to a meeting to give the group more information or lessons on ASL.
“I would encourage students to join the club because it’s a fun and interactive way to learn a new language that everyone could communicate with each other in and out of school,” Martin said. “I think students should know that this club provides them with an opportunity to easily help others and also that having the knowledge of ASL will be especially useful for jobs. This club welcomes all people at any level of ASL whether they know anything at all or if they’re fluent in it.”
The club is always open to new members—no matter their grade or level of sign language. Current board members and Giordano strongly encourage students to attend the club meetings and to learn more about the club and sign language!
