Under the guidance of Frederick Campus ASL teachers Edna Johnston and Sara Lee Herzig, MSD was well represented in the annual National Literary Competition sponsored by Gallaudet University Youth Programs.
In a national competition that showcases ASL and writing skills, students submitted work in the ASL handshape story, poetry, storytelling, and presentation categories. Students also had the option of entering a written submission into the poetry, creative writing, and essay categories. Many of our high school students participated in the competition. Seven MSD students were recognized for eight winning entries this year.
Sophomore Kaylieah Fuller was selected as the Grand Prize winner for the ASL competition, as she was the contestant who submitted the best project across all categories. As the Grand Prize winner, Kaylieah will receive a certificate and a choice between three prizes: an all-expense-paid trip to Gallaudet, free registration and transportation to one of Gallaudet's Summer Youth Camps, or a $1,000 scholarship to Gallaudet. MSD students have participated in the competition for the last five years, and this is the first year MSD boasts a Grand Prize winner.
Congratulations to the winners and the honorable mentions!
ASL HANDSHAPE STORY
Theme: Create an ASL story using limited handshapes to tell a story centered around a specific emotion.
Kaylieah Fuller
"Changes" (Handshapes 5, 1, A)
1st Place (Tie)
Watch ASL video here: https://youtu.be/ASWu8XrdYgE
Jade Macedo
"Quinceanera" (Handshapes 5, 1, 2)
1st Place (Tie)
Watch ASL video here: https://youtu.be/s0lqqNz95KY
Bella Finkle
No Title (Handshapes 1, 2, 5)
Honorable Mention
Watch ASL video here: https://youtu.be/XAMEk7YUfgM
ASL POETRY
This category has no theme.
Zivia Gale
"When the Flowers Bloom"
2nd Place (Tie)
Watch ASL video here: https://youtu.be/LmH-5BMbuEs
Bella Finkle
"The Butterfly"
Honorable Mention
Watch ASL video here: https://youtu.be/hzlqy1tc5nY
ASL STORYTELLING
Theme: Start your story with a major news event breaking—one that will change the world forever.
Nathan Sheppeck
"Heaf"
1st Place
Watch ASL video here: https://youtu.be/IsY_PZGQ7KA
Elian Zfati
"Deja Vu"
2nd Place
Watch ASL video here: https://youtu.be/R30AW6ZhuhE
ASL STORYTELLING (Deaf Plus)
Brighton Rumbaugh
"Celebration at the Castle" (Handshapes 5, 2, 1)
1st Place
Watch ASL video here: https://youtu.be/DUM_XI5dOnI
About the National Literary Competition
The National Literary Competition challenges and inspires deaf and hard of hearing students in the 6th through 12th grades from any school and program to compete to showcase their ASL and writing skills at a national level. There is also a literary competition for elementary students in grades 2 through 5.
Watch the 2021-2022 Award Ceremony on Gallaudet University Youth Programs' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=974470553481536
For more information on the National Literary Competition: https://www.gallaudet.edu/youth-programs/national-literary-competition