What is your fondest memory of your high school participation? For most it is most probably sports and clubs. Extra participation not only is a great way to connect to others, but also teaches the value of teamwork and is a channel for reinforcing the lessons from the classroom. There has been a drastic change in the participation of club and extracurricular over the years. Pre and post Covid especially there is a big jump with this. From 1990-2024 the percentage of students doing extracurricular went from 60% to 23% of the student body. That is a drastic change.
Some of the reasons include the rise of screen time, use of cellphones, interest in online activities, and Covid. Also, there is a clear socioeconomic divide with students from more affluent families or who attend private schools being more involved in extra-curricular activities in comparison to public school students from lower-income backgrounds.
“Students may be focusing on their grades rather than clubs or sports… especially closer to graduation,” said sophomore Violeta Fausciana.
Violeta plays for a club field hockey team. She spoke about the demand this sport takes, and sports in general. But says, “It’s worth it!”
“People nowadays are very connected to their electronics and social media,” reflected sophomore Mateo Cupello.
A Royal Lions soccer team forward, Mateo says soccer definitely gets in the way of school, but also increases his chances of getting into college, and offers him the opportunity to exercise.
“Peers started focusing more on their core classes don’t want their schedules that full which may explain a drop in participation,” said junior Margaret Balzarini
Margaret, a member of the Purple Hearts Club, says that despite the time commitment, involvement in Purple Hearts is very meaningful and rewarding.
While all of these are very good reasons, factors such a transportation and costs are big components.