The ASL Showcase is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their proficiency with the language while building confidence in performance, public speaking, and dance

WASHOUGAL – The American Sign Language (ASL) program at Washougal High School presents the annual American Sign Language Winter Showcase on January 19 and 20, 2023 at 7 pm. The showcase is held in the Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School. During the performance, students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by signing the lyrics to popular songs with use of props, costumes and choreography. There is a $5 admission fee per person for the event.

The ASL Showcase is an opportunity for American Sign Language students to demonstrate their proficiency with the language while building confidence in performance, public speaking, and dance. 

“The ASL showcase is something that students in the American Sign Language program look forward to every year. It’s amazing to see students so passionate about the ASL performances and the ASL after school club,” said Tami Grant, American Sign Language teacher at Washougal High School. 

American Sign Language is one of three language options offered in the World Language Department at Washougal High School. For many students, the courses help to narrow their focus on marketable skills and envision themselves in post-high school careers. The American Sign Language program at Washougal School District is a valuable addition to many students’ High School and Beyond Plan, a personalized learning plan which maps skill development and career pathways from 7 to 12th grade. This Career & Technical Education (CTE) program prepares students for careers in sign language interpretation, childcare services, employment counseling, social work, audiology, speech pathology, clinical psychology and more. 

“Learning ASL is important because it gives an opportunity for you to communicate with a whole new group of people. At work, I’ve even used ASL to communicate with customers,” said Anika Adams. Adams works at Motoco, a motorcycle repair shop in Washougal that her family owns and operates. In American Sign Language 4, a dual credit course, students can earn 4 college credits by completing this class at Washougal High School.

American Sign Language showcases are planned and presented by students in the ASL after school club. Student officers in the ASL club review video audition submissions and select performances for the stage. They also prepare staging, lighting, sound, and music. Club events like this one are funded by the Washougal School Levy. The levy supports great opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and share their passion with our community. These events help us know, nurture and challenge all of our students to rise.

American Sign Language proficiency is one of many ways that Washougal School District students find passion in learning. Strong community support enables Washougal School District to serve the educational and developmental needs of our students.

Information provided by Washougal School District.