American Sign Language (ASL) is more than just a form of communication, it is a way to show your identity. For the Deaf and hard of hearing community, ASL shows background, culture and the experience that many Deaf people share. With the ASL Honors Society club, they are working to spread education and awareness to CVHS culture about ASL and Deaf culture. 

Inside the classroom, learning a new language often centers on memorizing vocabulary lists and studying grammar rules. For members of the ASL Honor Society at CVHS, language learning goes beyond tests and assignments. It is a movement built on inclusion, empathy, and human connection.

For Brooklynn Cole, the president of this year’s ASL Honors Society club, joining the organization transformed her high school journey. “Being a part of ASL Honor Society has been  one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience,” Cole shared. She discovered early that signing offers a perspective on interaction. “ASL taught me that communication is not just about words. It is about connection, expression, and making people feel seen.”

Through her leadership role, Cole works to create a space where students can come together over a shared dedication to the language. She describes the Honor Society as a supportive community where members share a genuine love for signing while striving to keep a welcoming environment for everyone on campus. Her goal as president is to pass that feeling along, encouraging other students to find the same sense of belonging that drew her toward the club.

While Cole leads the organization as president, other dedicated student officers like Sloane Vollmer bring their own motivations to the club. Vollmer’s path into leadership began in the classroom. After doing her classwork in ASL, she looked for a way to get more involved in the Deaf community.

When she saw the opportunity to become an officer, Vollmer decided to take a chance. For her, taking on a leadership role was both a chance to give back and grow. She talks about the clubs’ mission saying, “ASL Honor Society is trying to spread education and awareness to CVHS students about ASL and Deaf culture”.

Through her role, Vollmer talks about how her personal perspective has expanded. “I have definitely become more aware of the culture and community of Deaf people, and I think it’s very important for other students to learn about as well,” she said.

Student leaders like Cole and Vollmer are ensuring that the ASL Honor Society stays a strong club on campus. By combining a personal passion with wanting to spread awareness, the club continues to create a more inclusive environment for everyone at CVHS.