Topes Notes: Isotopes, Albuquerque Sign Language Academy team up for big night

Maddie, a 12-year-old student at the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy, is preparing to become a star. The talented young girl has a YouTube channel where she signs the lyrics to her favorite songs, often while dancing around. Maddie's enthusiasm and personality were evident when she recently worked with Isotopes players at Isotopes Park to help them prepare for an upcoming American Sign Language Night game on September 4th.

On last Friday, Maddie and her classmates from the Albuquerque Sign Language Academy, known as the fightin' Honey Badgers, helped the Isotopes get ready for the special event. Maddie met two famous baseball players and helped them learn how to finger spell their names. Maddie also shared her love for pets, particularly dogs, with the players. She expressed her excitement about potentially sitting next to one of the players, Andrew Baker, during the game.

The ASLA students were tasked with teaching professional baseball players how to sign their names for the video board introduction during the game. ASLA is a nationally recognized, certification dual language ASL-English tuition-free public charter school in Albuquerque, which serves students traditionally pushed to the edge of the traditional public school system. The school's unique model is thriving, with a waiting list of students seeking admission.

This is the second year the ASLA has partnered with the Isotopes for the American Sign Language Night game. Dylan Storm, Isotopes Marketing and Promotions Manager, stated that the partnership was a no-brainer given the positive impact it had during the inaugural season. The students have been excited about the event for weeks.