The ASL Club meets every Wednesday during Edge time and is open to current students in any ASL classes. 

 Senior ASL Club member Riley Tice often starts the meeting with sign language and helps organize the activities.  

“We like to play fun, competitive games that urge students to learn ASL to compete against other students to gain more knowledge and understanding of the language,” said Riley.  “It’s fun and beneficial for everybody in ASL 1-4. We also like to give the opportunity to help participate in events that celebrate deaf culture.”

Although the club wants people to have fun with sign language, there’s a deeper purpose.

“Learning American Sign Language is important because it enables effective communication with deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, promotes inclusivity, and can enhance cognitive and social skills,” Riley said.  

The ASL Club advisor, Mrs. Miller-Wilke, has a goal for the club to be a resource for ASL students to practice how they sign. 

“A place to express themselves in a safe and comfortable environment,” said Mrs. Miller-Wilke.

Mrs. Miller-Wilke was inspired to build her career when she was in high school. 

”When I was in high school, I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” Miller-Wilke said.  “After talking to my school counselor, we decided I would go to Columbus State Community College and major in Interpreting and Transliterating. Once I started learning ASL, I fell in love with the language and culture. I started working as a sign language interpreter as soon as I graduated at 19 years old. I have been working with the deaf community since then.” 

Ms. Miller-Wilke tries to help her students understand the importance of the language, how to use it correctly, and learn the importance of the culture.  

“It’s impossible to separate the language from the culture, so to know the importance of the language, you have to have a firm understanding of the language,” said Mrs. Miller-Wilke.