GRIFFITH, Ind. — Students at Griffith Jr./Sr. High School now have the opportunity to learn American Sign Language through an after-school club led by teacher Mr. Maloney. The ASL Club offers students a chance to engage in a fun and enriching learning experience while developing a skill that could open future career opportunities.
American Sign Language, or ASL, is more than a form of communication — it helps people connect, improves spatial awareness and memory, and enhances visual processing skills. Maloney, who teaches the club, said learning ASL can be especially meaningful for students at Griffith.
“I personally rely on ASL to express myself, and by learning it, students can help make Griffith High more unique,” Maloney said.
The ASL Club also promotes inclusivity at Griffith High School, where not all students communicate in the same way. Learning even basic signs can help break down communication barriers and ensure all students feel included in conversations, Maloney said.
Junior Emoni Neal praised Maloney’s teaching style, saying he brings passion to the club and makes learning exciting. “He’s passionate about ASL and makes learning exciting,” Neal said. “Instead of just memorizing signs, he teaches us about deaf culture, history and the real-life impact of signing.”
ASL can also benefit students after high school. The language is valuable in fields such as healthcare, education, customer service and law enforcement.
“ASL Club benefits me because I get to learn a new language, which can further expand my knowledge,” said junior Joseph Doctor.
Learning ASL could also give students an advantage when applying to college, Maloney said. Many universities, including Arizona State University and Butler University, recognize ASL as a foreign language credit.
With Maloney’s guidance, Griffith students are not only learning a new language but also gaining skills that could benefit their futures, no matter what careers they pursue.
ASL Club meets on in room H218.
