It's quite upsetting how myself and fellow peers may be denied the chance to move onto American Sign Language 7-8 next year because 18 students are not considered enough to make a full classroom. This year is the first year that there are students who are graduating with the bilingual medal because the class was finally allowed but combined with ASL 5-6. My teacher was not able to fully teach either class to her fullest because she could not give her full attention to each class section because she had to continually switch back and forth. She is willing to give extra time to teach each class separately, but my school system is doubtful that they will let next years seniors take 7-8 because the class has not reached the minimum amount of students. Because of this, a numerous amount of students who want to continue their education on American Sign Language will not be able to receive a bilingual medal and will not be able to expand their knowledge on American Sign Language and its culture. There is a Deaf community at our school, but you'll never understand it until you actually learn and become aware about it. This is why my peers and I need American Sign Language 7-8.  We have been educated about it for three years, so why not one more? My teacher has fought for the class for many years and she still has not succeeded. So we need you, the community, to help the students learning about the culture of the Deaf at Lakewood High School to establish American Sign Language 7-8. Many of us want to become interpreters for the Deaf. We want to fight for the Deaf. We want to be able to understand the Deaf. Help us, and you help another community that has been in the shadows.