ASL students sign songs at their showcase

Cheers erupted from the audience as friends and parents watched American Sign Language (ASL) students sign to numerous songs.

On April 17, the ASL classes came together to put on a showcase on campus for everyone to watch.

In the second semester of every year, the ASL students learn a song to perform in the cafeteria. Students look forward to this event because of its large, supportive audience. 

This year, students were given the opportunity to teach kindergarteners from multiple schools to perform sign language with them. 

“It was really fun to teach them [kindergarteners] this year. They’re very, very sweet and it was really nice to see them shine on stage,” said Annelies Van Druten, student from ASL Honors.

Some of those who came brought a large amount of desserts and goodies for everyone to eat. Whether it’s cookies, fruit, crackers, the community didn’t disappoint. 

At the beginning of the show, ASL teacher Amy Ryken gave a speech, expressing her love for all of her classes.

The first class to hit off this showcase was her second period, a combination of 

ASL II and III. They performed “Hard Times” by Paramore and the crowd clapped to the beat.

Next, the ASL Honors class surprised the audience by bringing kindergarten students from elementary schools to perform the “Toy Story” classic “Friend in Me.”

For months, all ASL classes have traveled to elementary schools every other week on block days to teach little kids sign language. Their hard work paid off seeing as the kids signed beautifully and their parents admired their child on stage.

As the kindergarteners walked off stage, the next group of performers got ready. Classes ASL II and III then signed to “Empire Stage of Mind” by Jay-Z.

The next song had people lip syncing as Alani Johnson and Amanda Sauceda signed to “Fabulous” from the movie “High School Musical 2.” 

Another group of ASL two and three classes came together to perform “Treasure” by Bruno Mars.

The song “Wannabe” by Spicegirls was amazingly performed by Rose Davis, Carly Hillen, and Emma Cayce. The crowd was intrigued as the trio moved on stage, really putting on a show.

More performances went on throughout the night, about six more groups and solos went on stage. The ASL concert ended with all ASL students surrounding the audience and signed to “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars. 

Families hugged their children as they reunited back together and friends snapped pictures, especially for the honors class. This last show left students and families feeling bittersweet.