Students at JCHS are getting involved in many different ways. Whether you love sports, video games, math, or just hanging out with your friends, there are always ways to get involved here at JCHS. Two weeks ago, JCHS hosted its annual club fair, where students could visit various tables set up to showcase different clubs and organizations they could join. The clubs range from the Bible Study Club to Class Council to Mock Trial, and even include the Video Game Club.
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Junior Ryan Livelli shared his thoughts on the club fair, saying, “It’s a great place to go around and see what you might be interested in. Now that I am starting to think about college and the type of school I would like to attend, joining and becoming a member in extracurricular activities is a very important aspect of a good college application.”
JCHS also offers a wide variety of sports for students to participate in, with 18 varsity sports available (Nj.com). Extracurricular activities are a great tool for younger students, such as freshmen or new students, to get involved and meet new people. The social opportunities that extracurriculars provide for students are endless; the more extracurriculars a student participates in, the more people they meet, and the more diverse perspectives they encounter. This offers new perspectives on any given idea or problem.
Extracurriculars are also a way to make your high school experience more enjoyable. High school can be whatever you make of it. Whether you’re in every play and musical, play sports, or take part in various clubs, you can have fun with whatever you choose to do. Extracurriculars are a significant part of how students spend their free time whether it’s sports games and practices after school, or concerts and plays. These are some of the best and most common pastimes for students.
Additionally, studies have shown that extracurriculars improve students’ academic performance (Crimson). This is because extracurriculars provide a mental break, allowing students to do something fun with friends, which can lead to increased focus. Students who participate in any type of extracurricular, including clubs, sports, and musical activities, often have higher aspirations.
Also, extracurriculars teach students skills that are not taught in school. For example, I play lacrosse and am a member of Class Council and the Bible Study Club. Playing a sport like lacrosse teaches me skills such as teamwork, commitment, and problem-solving. While some of these skills are practiced in a typical classroom, the amount you can learn from extracurricular activities is unmatched. Being a member of Class Council teaches me public speaking and helps me develop skills I will need later in life, such as working in groups and coming up with ideas to common problems such as fundraising money.
Extracurriculars are something that every student can join and be a part of, whether it be for fun or to learn new skills. I highly encourage every student here at James Caldwell High School to do so.
Photo courtesy of JCHS/X
