Greenwood High School - Woodman Yearbook (Greenwood, IN)

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LIFE

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I 'W' w . yi Lj..u

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Inflation affects student activity The inflation rate continues to increase . .. col- lege costs outpaced inflation gasoline prices reached record high . . .the headlines told the story of today's tight economic conditions. The effects of the economy have reached everyone. The pressures have also affected high school stu- dents. Money for college, cars, gasoline, and dates was harder to come by, but still necessary. Conse- quently, more and more students had joined the job market. The area department stores and fast food restaurants were filled with high school students earning the money they needed. The increasing number of working students had in turn affected GCHS, causing a decrease in participation in some of the extra-curricular programs. . . . lose out on something which they cannot gain elsewhere. Irons Coach John Irons: It is a trend, high school stu- dents involving themselves in non-school-related activities rather than those in the school. It affects all the areas-athletics, arts, music. Students are giving up activities to work in the economic sector. I feel that this is a bad thing-the students lose out on something which they cannot gain elsewhere. Everyone loses. As I see it, why work for two years Wilhen you will work for the next 52? It is a bad t mg. Ms. Carol Wharton: Theatrically, we've been hurt. We've lost good actors and tech people. I understand the problems and needs, but I am sad to see teenagers lose out on an important time of their ivesf' Is it possible to arrange one's schedule in order to include both work and extra-curricular activities? It requires patience, hard work, and an understanding boss, but it can be accomplished, according to Sen- ior Gavin Meek. Gavin has been active as Booster Club President, a star wrestler, Thespian officer and performer, in addition to holding a job at a local ice cream shop. He says To me, extra-curric- ular activities are a lot more important than my job because you only experience high school once, while you can work all your life. However, these days, you do need a job so you don't have to bor- row money from your parents, who have a hard enough time making ends meet. You need money for dates, games, the Prom, etc. I have had an understanding boss who believes that school activi- ties should come first. I have been very determined both to make money and be active at school, and I have managed by strictly budgeting my time. Most other students, however, are not able to combine their activities with a job and a full class load. The resulting conflict and decision are becom- ing more and more prominent: Which is more important? The benefits of a job or of the extra-cur- ricular program? Until recently, jobs have conventionally been considered of less importance. Many students con- tinue to feel this way despite empty pockets. . . . basis for friendships which last a lifetime. Davidson Mike Davidson: Extra-curricular activities form the basis of friendships which last throughout a life- time. Your high school days are limited, and many times people pass up their once-in-a-lifetime oppor- tunity to enjoy their life as a youth. School teaches knowledge, extra-curricular activities teach life. Joy Dorsey: I feel that activities are very impor- tant. All students should be involved as much as possible. You can work for the rest of your lifef' Spending hour after hour on the stage rehearsing lines, concentrating on doing the best job possible . . . making signs and decorating the halls to encour- age spirit . . . spending endless hours running on the track . . . pushing oneself to the limits of exhaustion to improve form or to knock off just one more sec- ond....