American Sign Language (ASL) offers a powerful reminder that communication doesn’t always require spoken words.

For many, ASL represents more than just a language... it’s a symbol of resilience, inclusion, and a vibrant community built on perseverance. That spirit inspired a group of students at Western Hills High School to create something special: the ASL Club, a space where students can learn, share, and celebrate the beauty of signing.

The idea sparked during the Governor’s Scholar Program (GSP), where co-founder Kyeler Bakaric experienced an ASL storytime that left a lasting impression. Fellow student Vidya Vasudevan joined Kyeler in co-founding the group, bringing energy and vision to the initiative. With support from Mr. Ethridge, a social studies teacher who agreed to sponsor the club, and an enthusiastic group of students, the ASL Club began to take shape.

Their peer, Zeke Robinson wrote a terrific article about the program, which can be found here: https://state-journal.com/2025/08/29/students-start-asl-club-at-western-hills-high-school/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMmngNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE4TThkdmtLejBJamJJWW84AR4urwOGsjeGoV_5IMnW8jJ17dC-ymv7aBQEr9wfqh47ms2kkjSE0fnGlTc4FQ_aem_4B1LXrIu-57GPOZ-x5MbEw. Zeke also took the photo and is working for the state journal this school year.

Kudos to everyone involved! This is such a meaningful initiative—bringing together inclusivity, leadership, and bold, compassionate action to create lasting impact. We couldn’t be prouder of the students and staff who made it happen.