LRHS American Sign Language (ASL) II class participated in the Annual Deaf/Hard of Hearing picnic on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Phelps Grove Park in Springfield, MO. This event brought students who are deaf or hard of hearing together from the surrounding school districts to meet and socialize with each other using ASL. LRHS ASL II students volunteered along with the ASL students from Parkview High School at activity stations to help the younger students participate in the festivities. Students used the sign language skills that they have learned to communicate with the other students as well as individuals from the Deaf Community. Not only were our students able to communicate using ASL during the picnic, but were also able to observe others in order to better understand ASL and Deaf Culture.