American Sign Language students at Marion had a wonderful experience on their April 18 field trip to Henrietta and Rochester Institute of Technology.

The students started with a trip to Starbucks in Henrietta. Starbucks is known to be a Deaf-friendly corporation and supports Deaf employees and customers who communicate in ASL. Students each had the chance to order from their Deaf Barista, Abby, in sign language and then chat with her in ASL while they enjoyed their refreshments. 

Students signed questions and learned about Abby's family, education, work experience, and future plans.

Following Starbucks, the students went to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at RIT to watch "Pure Imagination: The Magical Candy Shoppe," the story of a Willy Wonka-type character who seeks to restore the magic told through dance, ASL, and animation. 

Students had the chance to see the Dyer Art Gallery and chat with a Deaf cast member after the show. It was an especially significant show because it was the final production for renowned professor and performer, Thomas Warfield.  

There was no cost for the 14 students who attended, thanks to Language Club's fundraising efforts.