Emma Dewan and Raul Martinez are two seniors here at Glendale High School. During their junior year, they decided to start a club for American Sign Language. It has been in the works since then, and it is now an official club at GHS.  

The ASL Club helps members learn this important language, through fun activities that help everyone connect and feel part of the community. This club isn’t just about learning signs, but it is also about building connections and creating a community where everyone feels included.

The ASL Club at GHS started in an unexpected place—a psychology class. Emma and Raul were discussing their interest in American Sign Language and soon found that many of their classmates wanted to learn it, too. However, there are no ASL classes offered on our campus. 

Motivated by this, Emma and Raul decided to start learning ASL on their own, as it has always been an interest for both of them. Emma said that she has always been intrigued by the language and that when she was younger, she learned the whole alphabet just for fun. Raul and Emma both describe ASL as a captivating and unique language, and the ASL Club has allowed them to share this passion with others.

This year marks the first official launch of the ASL Club, which feels more like a class than a traditional club. With the help of their club advisor, Mrs. Donohue, Emma, and Raul have taken on the role of assistant teachers, guiding their peers through the basics of ASL. They aim to create an inclusive space where students can learn and practice singing together. 

Both Emma and Raul are eager to keep ASL a part of their lives as they move on to college, ensuring that this vibrant language continues to thrive in their school community after they are gone. If you are interested in joining the ASL Club, please follow them on Instagram: @glendale.asl!