The American Sign Language classes taught by Cassie “CK” Knutson, MS Deaf Education teacher of almost 20 years, will be signing the national anthem at the Homecoming football game on Saturday. 

Knutson has taught Deaf education for 5th-12th grade students in Texas, Arizona and Washington state, and she has taught ASL at ACU for 6 years. 

“ASL is a wonderfully full language that gives a minority population a voice,” Knutson said. “Teaching ASL gives me the unique opportunity to teach about this Deaf culture, and how hearing people have historically been very oppressive of them.”

Students who have signed the national anthem in the past have said it is very impactful. Emma Palafox, senior communication sciences and disorders major from Lubbock, said gaining the ability to communicate in a new language and learn about a culture different from the one she grew up with is a beautiful thing. She encourages others to “pick up their hands” and learn to communicate with the Deaf community. 

“I have absolutely loved learning ASL from CK,” Palafox said. “She is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She encourages us to be better every class and supports us through all we do. I am so blessed that she is teaching me not only a beautiful language but a wonderful culture.”

The class will sign the national anthem to the Big Purple Marching Band. The ASL 1 and ASL 3 classes will be involved in this performance. The participating students are listed below:

ASL I

Avery Blanch

Jacie Bond

Olivia Bronson

Hope Cheshire

Christine Cheshire

Anyslee Clements

Sydney Crum

Matthew Darby

Presley Dorries

Abigail Fikes

Leeanne Gannon

Anika Groeneveld

Kathleen Hardaway

Kaitlyn Hardin

Katherine Jarrett

Ryder Maple

Ana Sofia Romero Mayes

Isabella New

Scarlett O Bryant

Grayson Orcutt

Grace Pacatte

Shelby Rose

Angelina Sampson

Emeree Stacy

Amy Stephens 

Mariah Talamantes

Jackson Talley

Hannah Taylor

ASL 3

Addison Barrilleaux

Peyton Bornstein

Chloe Dolloff

Brylie Mahar

Emma Palafox

Sydney Powell

Janelle Ripple

Audrey Risberg