Greenwood High School - Woodman Yearbook (Greenwood, IN)

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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....

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LIFE

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planning all the activities for Homecoming . .. marching day after day in order to perfect the show people grow from experiences like this. When students work together toward a common goal, they pull together. Close friendships form. Because Opportunity for self discovery and pure enjoyment. . . activities these s1tuat1ons are totally outside the classroom, and because they involve only those students who wish to be a part of them, they provide unique opportunities for self-discovery and for pure enjoy- ment. In these aspects, the extracurricular program also has as great a value as the academic program in preparing students for a successful future. As a stu- dent decides to forfeit these activities in order to take a job, the negative effect is two-fold. Not only does he miss out, but the program itself is weakened so that future students canit be afforded the same opportunities. There is, of course, the other side of the coin. Some students, whether out of choice or necessity have willingly sacrificed certain activities in exchange for a job. Seniors are especially inclined to do so as their need for money for the future increases. Nanci Gasser: Extracurricular activities are important, but if you're going to school, thereis a decision you have to make. It's hard. Iive had my share of activities, and now it's time to move on. Mike Erickson: Extracurricular activities are important for social growth, they help to develop well rounded persons. They provide opportunities which one may not have for the rest of his life. After all, how many times after you're out in the 'real world' do you have the opportunity to perform in front of 1200 people with the spotlight and all? Or has to decide, however, when he has gained all he can for wants to gainj from activities, and priorities must be set. The conflict is indeed a matter of personal priori- ties. The choice is up to the individual, but if the present trend continues, the long-range effects could be detrimental to even our strongest extracur- ricular activity programs. If the economy does not undergo some drastic improvements, the next few years may bring about great changes in extracurri- cular school programs all across the country. by W. Herrold