American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language that includes various movements of your hands or body to communicate. As it is a common language used in the U.S., it is vital for people to learn it and be able to utilize it.

ASL club is coordinated and led by senior Alexis Mcilmoil (president of the club) and junior Caroline De La Motte (vice president). The two started the ASL club at the beginning of this school year. The meetings take place on the first Tuesday of every month during lunch. ASL club welcomes students from all grades. Sophomore Tegan Waters, who joined the club at the start of the year, shares “The community is open arms to everyone and I just felt I belonged.”

Since ASL is a new club here at Wilsonville, vice president De La Motte explained why she started it. “We thought it would be fun to get together with friends and all learn sign language together, but more than that we felt passionate about learning sign language because it can be such a gift to be able to communicate with those who do use sign language.” Learning ASL helps you better connect with the community around you and includes everyone.

You don’t need to have any prior experience with sign language or have to know it to join this club. Waters mentioned, “I didn’t know much, but I have learned the alphabet and how to sign songs.” You never know when you are going to need to use sign language, which could be in public, with family members, friends, etc. De La Motte emphasizes, “having that skill is so important, and if more people can learn sign language, the better.” Sign language brings people together, and these meetings are a great way to create bonds with friends.