MacArthur High School seniors Avery Weaver and Nicole Nixon have learned so much more than a second language during their time with American Sign Language (ASL) teacher Timothy Kitterman.
Thanks to a special partnership, Avery and and Nicole aren’t just students – they’re teachers. Since 2014, the MacArthur ASL Honor Society have been teaching free sign language classes for members of the public at the Brook Hollow Library.
Nicole remembers taking this ASL class at the library when she was younger. This year, she was one of the teachers.
“I was a fast learner and was also fascinated by the language,” said Nicole. “I wanted to learn more so I took ASL throughout high school and I have learned so much. I communicate with a deaf person at my work and it’s always a joy to talk to him. It’s such a beautiful language and it truly amazes me seeing how many people at our school continue this language for not only the credit, but to communicate with the deaf community.”
Avery says she didn’t expect to love the beauty of the language so much. Now, she considers herself an ASL advocate.
“I loved getting to teach classes at the Brook Hollow Library, as it's something I've wanted to do since I was a freshman and was just afforded the chance this fall,” said Avery. “The opportunity to help expose people from all different backgrounds to the language I have become so passionate about is truly an experience I will always cherish.”
Kitterman and the ASL Honor Society is already looking forward to continuing their ASL courses in the spring. If you’d like to learn more about these classes, email tkitte@neisd.net.
