Students Promoting Sign Language Get “Orion” on Civic Center Marquee in Hand Signs
(Liam Feeney, April 17, 2023)
Orion Township, MI – A pair of students at Lake Orion High have been delighted as people have been noticing the word “Orion” spelled out in sign language hand signals on the electronic marquee in front of Orion Township’s municipal complex.
Sign language helps those with difficulty hearing or speaking to communicate, and those who don’t have those challenges can learn sign language so they can communicate with those who do rely on it. Emma Laviolette and Madison Loken have turned their interest in sign language, something that a local teacher encouraged them to explore, into a full on passion project to help more people around the community become more aware of it.
“We want to promote it and break down some of the stigma that goes with sign language” said Laviolette.
The teens have been trying to raise awareness to have sign language classes added at their school. One of their teachers, Julia Dalrymple, has been cheering on their efforts. “When the students came to me to talk about their project- I immediately thought, wow- this is really special. A few weeks later, I attended the fabulous presentation they presented in front of their own peers in the LOHS Auditorium. They taught students some basic signs and shared why they selected this project. It makes my heart beyond happy that these young ladies wanted to do this.”
Even without a formal class, people of all ages can learn sign language online.
“We really started learning it through apps and online just to get better at it” said Madison.
Dalrymple also happens to be an Orion Township Trustee. So when the teens asked about having something put on the marquee, she was happy to make the connection, and excited that sign language lettering was an option for the sign.
