Extracurriculars are school related activities that do not necessarily have anything to do with a student’s courses. In Dec. 2014, six out of every 10 students participated in extracurricular activi- ties of some sort, according to the United States Census Bureau. But what about the students that are not involved?
At 84 percent, the proportion of students involved in extracurriculars at Northwood is higher than the national average. However, some students cannot participate. 3 percent of students surveyed said one reason is because these stu- dents have serious things going on in their lives
“When I had to stop doing a cappella, I was looking for a job, and then some serious stuff happened in my life, and it just became over- whelming,” junior Jonathan Kurz said. “But now when I just come home from school, I usually
do homework and help my little brother do his homework, and then, if I have free time, I’m usu- ally helping my mom around the house, because she has a bad knee.”
According to the poll, 5 percent of students do not participate in extracurriculars because they do not have transportation.
“I never have a way to get back home,” sopho- more Nicole Campbell said. “My mom doesn’t have a car, and my dad is always at work. I used to do extracurricular activities, but then I had to walk home every day, and that highway is super dangerous. I almost have gotten run over twice.”
Some students do not have the money to join the clubs they enjoy; therefore, they do not attend.
“There are some clubs that I would like to join, like FCCLA, FBLA, color guard and marching band, but they all cost a lot of money,” sopho- more Skylar Walsh said.
FCCLA and FBLA have a $20 fee to join, and both the marching band and color guard cost $450. This money, for FBLA and FCCLA, goes to the various trips these clubs attend. The money
for marching band and color guard goes to the Northwood Band Boosters, where it is divided into categories of funds such as food, transportation and uniforms.
Another reason for not participating in extracurriculars is that some students have jobs that take up most of their time.
“I have a job, and I have to work,” said sophomore Cameron Marsh, who works at a lumberyard in Clayton. “I don’t want to be late and get fired.”
Four percent of students just do not like the extracurriculars available.
“I don’t think there’s anything I like in this school that I want to do,” freshman Noreli Lopez said.
Extracurriculars have been shown to influence college admissions, being ranked considerably important for 7 percent of admissions officers and moderately important by 36 percent, accord- ing to a paper published by counselor education researcher Meghan Lentner. This influences student’s involvement in extracurriculars.
There was a showcase of the extracurriculars at the beginning of the year to increase the number of students involved in extracurriculars.
“We have over 50 clubs right now, which is way more than we have ever had,” principal Justin Bartholomew said. “I have talked with a lot more students about starting a new club and what they have to do…. Overall participation [in extracurriculars] seems to be better.”
83 percent of the students are involved in extracurriculars.
“[Extracurriculars] are a great way to do things that you love and to meet new people that share
a common interest,” freshman Ellen Pedigo said. “It also is great when applying to colleges.”
Whether participating in extracurriculars or not, 96 percent of the student body feels that extracurriculars are important.
“I think extracurricular activities are a really good way to stay in school,” sophomore Jasmine McDougald said.
– By Emmy Robertson
