THE CLIPPER
VOLUME 29 | ISSUE 2 | NOVEMBER 2019 | PLATTE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Dancing IS
NOT A CRIME PAGE 03
On the Cover
A LOOK INSIDE
In the moment, junior Raena Sinclair and senior Henry Lange sing “Almost Paradise,” from the musical “Footloose,” on Oct. 21. Sinclair has performed in 11 shows, and Lange has performed in 25 shows.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
03
OPINIONS
FEATURES
DANCING IS NOT A CRIME
“Footloose” cast assembles musical production in eight weeks By Charisma Root
09
OPTIONS DENIED
Open campus lunches not feasible for student safety, among other reasons By Grace Roggy
12
SPORTS
BOOGIE DOWN TO NATIONALS PC Treasures dance team heading to nationals in February By Kiersten Robbins
04
10
14
Two new clubs become part of school community
Students need more awareness of club offerings By Kiersten Robbins
Stress prevention week sparks awareness of ways physical activity can reduce tension
06
1
15
Upperclassmen participating in annual game of “Assassin” prepare for competition
Cyber Monday passes Black Friday as preferred designated shopping day
Students engage in after school physical activities
START OF SOMETHING NEW By Tatianna Tafolla
ANTICIPATING ASSASINATION
By Sophia Zimmerman
08
BLACK FRIDAY FRENZY
Pro Black Friday shoppers provide tips on how to create a shopping strategy By Audrey McCoy
Staff Editor-in-Chief Charisma Root
Staff Writers Audrey McCoy Grace Roggy Sophia Zimmerman
Feature Editor Kiersten Robbins
Photographers Claire Graves Jessenia Orellana
Opinion Editor Tatianna Tafolla
Adviser Kari Johnson
Who We Are
The Pirate Clipper is a student-run newspaper dedicated to informing students on current local, national and worldwide issues without bias. Opinions and editorials do not reflect the views or opinions of the Platte County staff, school, administration or adviser. For questions or concerns, contact adviser Kari Johnson at: johnsonk@platteco.k12.mo.us.
CLUB CURIOSITY
SHOPPING STRIFE
By Sophia Zimmerman
SWEAT THE STRESS
By Audrey McCoy
LEISURELY FITNESS By Tatianna Tafolla
November 2019, 03
With a country accent, senior Walker Sperl rehearses his lines for “Footloose,” in Mrs. Glidewell’s room. Sperl plays the role of Willard in the musical. Photo by Jessenia Orellana
While other actors practice their lines, senior Henry Lange and junior Raena Sinclair rehearse their dancing scene. Both Sinclair and Lange play the leading roles in the musical. Photo by Jessenia Orellana
Dancing IS NOT A CRIME
“Footloose” cast assembles musical production in eight weeks Written by Charisma Root
F
or this year’s musical, the theatre department and audition-selected cast will perform three public showings of “Footloose.” Theatre teacher Erica Glidewell chose this specific piece with the intention of sparking interest in the community and providing returning participants with a new educational experience. “Last year we did ‘The Drowsy Chaperone,’ which was kind of a classical piece, a very 1920s piece, and a smaller cast,” Glidewell said. “We really wanted a bigger cast this year. We wanted a cast with a strong ensemble and something really fun that the community could connect to and would know. We wanted to get people in here, involved in the theatre, involved in our kids’ lives.” Glidewell said “Footloose” is a dance and music-heavy production, with a lot of lines as well. This is a rare challenge that requires the entire cast to be well-versed in multiple aspects of theatre. Because of this, each participant has a responsibility to put
in their best effort. For senior Henry Lange, playing male lead Ren McCormack, this is one of the highlights of the show. “I love that ‘Footloose’ involves every single member of the cast with 100 percentof their being,” Lange said. “It’s just like, everything you do is very important. Because it’s a lot of dancing and a lot of chorus work, one little misstep can kilter the whole show.” With this in mind, there is a lot of preparation that goes into bringing a show like this to life in such a limited time frame. After being selected and assigned roles based on auditions and call-backs, the cast rehearses every day after school from 3-6 p.m., for five weeks. Next, for an additional two weeks known as tech and show week, the cast and crew (including sound, lighting, stage managers, costume and makeup designers) come together to run through the entire show several times. For experienced theatre participants such as junior Raena Sinclair
playing leading lady Ariel Moore, this is one of the most enjoyable portions of the production timeline. “I think with any show you do, tech week and show week are when you really become a family and ask each other ‘Hey, do you want to go hang out after this?’ and stuff like that,” Sinclair said. “So I am really just waiting for those weeks when the show is almost at its final product and everyone just has fun with it and that shared goal of putting on a good show.” The show is Nov. 7 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 9 at 2 p.m., and 7 p.m., in the Wilson Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at pchstheatre.com. “There are just so many things to do in the show that I can’t wait for,” Sinclair said. “I think that people should come to watch the show because everybody knows it. It’s a popular movie; everybody loves it; it’s 80s-tastic, and it’s also just a very deep story that I think kids can relate to, especially in a small town like Platte County.”
04, Feature
START OF SOMETHING New Two new clubs become part of school community
Scan Me
Scan here to enter the Film Clubs Google Classroom code to stay updated on any upcoming events and information. Code: z2vo3kp Photo by Claire Graves
Written by Tatianna Tafolla
I
n recent weeks, two new organizations have joined the list of clubs offered for the student body: Film Production Club and Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO). The idea for a Film Production Club first came from senior Jamie Hill due to their personal interest in the hobby and the desire to establish a creative outlet for those with similar interests and passions. For the ECO, the creation of the club was developed through a project for Dual Credit Environmental Science. The club was then founded by sophomore Triton Davey and senior Kyle Bean. “I’m hoping that [the club] will make a difference,” Davey said. “I’m just glad I”m going to have something
I can pull myself into that helps out the environment.” As of now, theatre teacher Erica Glidewell is sponsering the Film Production Club, and Dual Credit Environmental Science teacher Kim Redinger is sponsoring ECO. Both organizations are currently in the pilot stage. “It’s been really fun to meet some students that I didn’t know and just hear how many students want to go into sustainability as a career and how many of them are passionate and want to educate themselves,” Redinger said. Students considering Film Production Club can expect meetings where qualified speakers visit to discuss the filmmaking industry and how they
reached their achievement, as well as participation in projects such as literal filmmaking and possible submissions to different film competitions and festivals. The main goal of the club is to create a place where students can surround themselves with those who share the same interests and passions as them, ranging from actual film production to acting, directing and/or script writing. “I’ve known for a couple of years now that I’ve wanted to go into film after high school and to study it,” Hill said. “I’ve been interested in film for awhile, creating films, doing short films. I was always too nervous to do it by myself, and I wanted people to do it with me.”
November 2019, 05
Dr. Staci Blaha, Dr. Trent Blaha and the staff supports the Pirates!
Scan Me Scan here and enter the ECO Google Classroom code to stay updated on any upcoming events and information. Code: 1pmbhp
Photo by Claire Graves For ECO, a meeting can vary depending on the activities the club is currently doing. As of right now there is mostly planning for future meetings that will take place and how the club will run. Students involved with the club want to increase awareness of environmental issues and do different surface projects related to environmental issues to help the school and community to be more sustainable. There are also goals to have a school event planned for Earth Day similar to this year’s first day of school bash. There are also other opportunities and field trips to help clean up the community, activities such as hikes, and participation in different environmental meetings. “We’re going to start off with small team-building activities, and once we
get to know each other we’re hoping to go to elementary schools and do more projects to spread more awareness about climate change,” Davey said. The process of creating each of these clubs took on similar routes. The students who had plans for the new clubs to begin in our current school year had to first find an adult sponsor who’d be interested in maintaining and supervising the activities. Once the sponsor agrees then the initiators of the club must first meet for an approval with activities director Phil Dorman. Following these steps, the new club begins as a pilot. “Starting a new club is difficult, and it’s been hard to get the word out, but we’re working on that,” Hill said. “I’m hoping throughout the year as we start
doing more stuff that more people begin to join.” Those interested in pursuing film production may want to consider engaging in the club. So far Film Production Club membership is small, but they are promoting participation through intercom announcements and posters. For ECO there have been more than 20 different students participating so far, and if there is interest in joining, each meeting takes place on the different flex days for FPL, and the first and third Fridays for regular scheduling during PLT. “Just to see this generation taking an interest in this topic really inspires me, and I think it’s your generation that’s going to be solving the problems us older people have created,” Redinger said.
06, Feature
Hiding from their target, the assassin plans their attack carefully. Many assassins rely on friends and other classmates to find out their target’s schedules. Photo illustration by Jessenia Orellana
Anticipating Assassination
Upperclassmen participating in annual game of Assassin prepare for competition By Sophia Zimmerman
K
eep social media accounts on private, locations off, and doors locked because the annual game of Assassin has begun. People are paranoid to leave their cars, jobs, and especially houses as the tradition has rolled around once again. Seniors Kinadee Shoemaker and Gabe Harmon are in charge of organizing and monitoring this year’s game. “Trust no one,¨ Harmon said. ¨Your friends could have you; your closest allies could have you. Always keep your doors locked.” Assassin is a game where each player is assigned a person or target
they must attack within a specified amount of time. For a player to assassinate, or get their target out, they must get a clear video successfully spraying water on them, then post the video on Twitter, tagging the 2019 Assassins Twitter account @PchsAssassin. The players are responsible for achieving this while also staying hidden from their own assassin. If the player successfully survives and eliminates their target in the allotted amount of time, they move to the next round where they are assigned a new target. This goes on until only
one player remains, and the winner is declared. “We started this around four to five years ago,” Shoemaker said. “They only had around 80 players the first year, but now we have about 120 people participating.” The game attracts a large number of different participants with the hopes that they may survive to until the end and win the final prize. Everyone playing the game must sign up and pay $5 to be entered. This money becomes the prize money for the winner. The pot this year is estimated at $615.
October 2019, 07
Checking their phone, the assassin checks their snapmap to find where their target is. Some assassins team up to take out their targets, until they eliminate enough targets that they have to turn on each other. Photo illustration by Jessenia Orellana
@PchsAssassinn Graphic by Jessenia Orellana
“People like this game because there are a lot of new people that you usually wouldn't associate yourself with playing assassin,” Harmon said. “It's a good way to get everyone involved and have the community interacting.” The game is a popular topic of conversation around the school during this time of the year. Players are trying to figure out who has them so they can avoid being eliminated while also stalking their own target. Non-participating students manage to still enjoy the fun as players trust them with information they don't want others to know, such as their target, location and plans of attack “Do not tell anybody who you have; keep everything a secret,” Shoemaker said. “Honestly just don't come out of your house, do not tell anyone
where you work, and just be sly.”
DO NOT TELL ANYBODY WHO YOU HAVE. KEEP EVERYTHING A SECRET SENIOR KINADEE SHOEMAKER
The competition is high, and the amount of trust people have for one another is low. Friendships are questioned and plans to go out become suspicious when playing the game. However, there are a few safe places for players during the game. Participants are not allowed to attack one another on school property or during school activities, including away games. Out of respect for the other player’s professional lives, there is
also a ban on eliminating targets while they are at work. The walk to their car outside of working hours however is fair game, as is their home. Another interesting rule set to keep players at ease is if they spray their assassin (the person trying to get them out) there is a following 30 minute period where that assassin is unable to eliminate their target. The game keeps players on their toes and gives the student body something unique to discuss and bond over. “Assassin puts a lot of people in places they would never be without the game,” Senior Karoline Kilkenny said. “It gets you out of your comfort zone and puts you around people you wouldn't have hung out with before. I think it has a togetherness aspect a lot of people look over.”
08, Feature
Black Friday Frenzy Pro Black Friday shoppers provide tips on how to create shopping strategy Written by Audrey McCoy
T
he unofficial start to the holiday shopping season will kick off on Friday, Nov. 29, and retailers will mark down some of the most popular and desired items. Some shoppers take the tradition of Black Friday shopping seriously and are known for taking things too far, leading to different types of consequences. Because of this, Black Friday shopping can be an overwhelming event. Some seasoned shoppers from within the school district have provided advice for making the most of the hectic event.
“Do it for fun and don’t get aggressive. You have to be careful and shop smart, don’t go overboard even though everything is cheap,” junior Kristen Banks said. Banks suggests going without much on you. Only taking a wallet will help shoppers move quicker throughout the store. More than 174 million Americans shop from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday.
Last year the average American shopper spent $1,007.24 on Black Friday. And the total spent was $717.5 billion.
*Information from National Retail Federation
*Information from The Balance
“It’s chaotic because people are rushing to get stuff. I would recommend getting there early because everything is gone fast,” freshman Demarcues Kindle said.
Senior Jamie Hill recommends going with friends or family, and having one person stand in line while everyone else shops so by the time everyone is ready to check out there’s already someone at the front of the line.
Stores adjust their hours according to the demand. Walmart opens its doors to Black Friday shoppers at 6 p.m. Thanksgiving evening. Target will be open the evening of Thanksgiving and close at 1 a.m. on Friday morning.
November 2019, 09
Options Denied Open campus lunches not feasible for student safety, among other reasons Written by Grace Roggy
S
tudents claim to support the reasons beyond their control. idea of open lunches but have “We have reimbursable meals failed to consider all of the which means we can offer everyone possibilities and safety conlunch at a very low price, and our syscerns that come with leaving campus tem is designed to do so,” Sayre said. during the school day. There are a few Allowing students the option to things regarding off campus lunches leave campus for food opens up a lot that could be problematic to the stuof room for error and irresponsibildent body and school policies. A few ity. Students could take advantage things to think about for open lunches of this opportunity.Tardies would are the amount of time given for each likely increase, and attendance would lunch period, students who are unable decrease. If a student had permission to afford off campus lunches and stuto go home for lunch, they might have dent safety. increased difficulty finding the motiEach lunch shift is exactly 22 vation to return and finish out the day. minutes; just enough time to get your Having the option to leave for open food, sit down and eat. It would be lunches also would cause a significant unrealistic for increase in liabilstudents to leave ity issues for the SOME TWISTS ON THIS district due to the campus, grab lunch and be back COULD BE BRINGING amount of travel in time for their occurring during FOOD TRUCKS ON next class. school operating “To do open hours. If there were CAMPUS lunches you would to be an accident, PRINCIPAL need to have students are not CHAD SAYRE longer blocks of only putting themtime,” principal selves in danger but Chad Sayre said. “Unless you went other students as well. Platte City has to one of the three restaurants across constant traffic thanks being close to the street-getting there and back, the the highway. The risk is just too high. logistics wouldn’t work.” However, there are other ways the With a student body of 1,300,the student body could potentially access community would not be able to diverse food without exiting campus. serve the large amount of kids getting “Some twists on this could be lunch,in such a small time, with so few bringing food trucks on campus and dining options in town . having food still on campus but cre“I think there are some limitations; ates variety for the students,” Sayre you have to look at a lot of complex is- said. sues, “ Sayre said. “You have to look at In the near future there are big your community, students and create plans to renovate the school’s cafetereal tight parameters around the idea ria and make it a larger space for the of open lunches. ever-growing student population. We also must consider that not As the school population increases, every student is capable of purchasing the current cafeteria set-up will soon off-campus lunches. Some students become impractical. rely on the free and reduced lunch “We are in the works of building a program provided by the school. This very adult-centered cafeteria” Sayre creates a divide between the students said. “A high school cafeteria should who can and cannot participate in this be a food court like you see at a coleveryday opportunity, for financial lege.”
Student Opinions: I think you should be able to leave for lunch if you have your orange card, and I think that is more of an incintive than just having your orange card and being able to travel for PLT. I think if we do this people will be more encoraged to get better grades. - Junior Madison Boos
I feel like we should just because some people might not like what’s for lunch and won’t eat because of it. - Senior Tyler Lawhorn
Open lunches for upperclassmen is a great idea because it lets them get the freedom they would receive in the real world. It would also open up the lunchrooms because it is too crowded. - Sophomore Amaira Peterson
10, Opinion
Club CURIOSITY
Students need more awareness of club offerings
Do you feel like you know all the clubs PCHS has to offer? Out of 88 responses
Written by Kiersten Robbins
P
art of the development of a high school is the establishment of new clubs. Clubs are where students can socialize, find long-lasting friendships and find common ground with like-minded peers. Students should be made more aware of all the clubs this school has to offer so they can find their personal safe place. Adding new clubs will also allow more students to be apart of their own social group. The newest additions to the high school are the Film Club and Environmental Consequence Organization (ECO). Film Club allows students to learn about videography with those who are also interested in the topic. The purpose of ECO club is for the students with an interest in the environment and pollution.
Based on survey results of 88 student responses, five students have requested that the Anime Club be made available once again. There were also heavily-supported suggestions of a gardening, yoga and cybersecurity clubs.
CLUBS ARE WHAT KEEP PEOPLE ACTIVE AND ALLOW THEM TO FORM BONDS. One recommendation students made on the survey was to post Google Classroom codes around the school and make sure all people are welcome. Another suggestion was to have more clubs involved in the
first day of school carnival and other school-wide events so that all of the options and information are made easily accessible. Several students expressed a desire for their club to be promoted more. Some of these include Interact Club, SADD, Film Club, Thespians, Gamer’s Galleon, and Robotics. The school should help promote these clubs by providing a description of what the club does and who it is sponsor by is on the school’s website and social media accounts. However, clubs should be sending out emails and hanging attention-grabbing posters in the halls to help promote themselves. We need clubs to be known because clubs are what keep people active and allow them to form bonds together working towards a common goal.
October 2019, 11
Shopping STRIFE
Cyber Monday passes Black Friday as preferred designated shopping day By Sophie Zimmerman
F
or years Black Friday has dominated as a tradition for deal-savvy families across America. However, as we shift into a more digital generation, online shopping has become a time and cost-effective tool for people wanting to skip the hassle and lines of in-store shopping. Cyber Monday takes place on the first Monday following Thanksgiving. It is a day where many online stores have sales similar to Black Friday. Black Friday shopping has some serious negatives. Waking up at 4 a.m., is definitely not for everyone, and some stores are even open on Thanks-
giving meaning that shopping could interfere with family time if shoppers are trying to grab the best deals before everyone else. Crowded stores are another con to Black Friday shopping as well, along with the cold November weather in certain parts of the country. While Cyber Monday has a downfall as well with the inability to try on clothes before purchase, this is an easily avoidable issue if shoppers read the return policies in advance. Plus, online shoppers can easily compare prices between items in different stores, have products shipped right to their door, and find amazing discounts online. Out of 87 students, 54 percent said
they prefer Cyber Monday over Black Friday. A majority of the respondents also said Cyber Monday was safer and more convenient than Black Friday shopping. As much as people love tradition, the times are changing and shopping is too. Shoppers should embrace this new generation of online shopping and discount-crazy tactics, and give Cyber Monday a chance. Of course Black Friday shopping can always be fun, but it can also be very stressful. Cyber Monday contrasts with Black Friday by being low-stress and laid back, proposing no need to even leave the house.
Do you prefer Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
Black Friday 46%
Cyber Monday 54%
out of 88 responses
12, Sports
Boogie Down
TO NATIONALS
PC Treasures dance team heading to nationals in February
In the middle school gym, senior Xaire Keith warms up for dance practice. The dance team practices every week, Monday through Thursday, to prepare for nationals. Photo by Jessenia Orellana
Written by Kiersten Robbins
F
or the first time ever, the PC Treasures dance team will be attending a national level competition. According to head coach Nikki Boekhout, the dance team will attend nationals from Feb. 20-23 in Orlando, Fla. “It’s stressful because you want it so bad for them,” Boekhout said. “You see how hard they work, and you spend so much time with these girls that they become like family to you, and so you want them to feel that success and that acknowledgement of all their hard work.” As the competition nears, the pressure increases for individuals such as senior dance team captain Xaire Keith. “To know that we’re going up against teams that may be better than
us and may be practicing harder than us or in a different way is definitely nerve-wracking,” Keith said.
WE’RE VERY BLESSED THAT WE GET THAT OPPORTUNITY DANCE COACH NIKKI BOEKHOUT
Last year the dance team’s theme of the season was “Women Empowerment”, with all songs and routines based around that message. This year, sophomore Olivia DeGrave said instead of following a theme, the team plans on using more popular music. Their hip hop routine is a mash-
up of today’s popular artists. Their lyrical routine is set to “Dream On” by Aerosmith, and their pom routine uses a throwback mix of 80s music. “We decided not to do a theme this year because really high-scoring hip hop routines haven’t really been themes, they’ve just been really popular music,” DeGrave said. “I mean the music is popular for a reason; it gets people out of their seats.” At nationals the team will perform all three routines in the preliminary rounds. The judges will select the top 10 from each category to go to finals. If a team does not make it to finals in the initial rounds there is still the opportunity to advance to nationals by re-performing with the other non-qualifying teams.
November 2019, 13
In the choir room, junior Olivia Minter practices the hip-hop routine that the dance team plans to take to nationals. The dance team is planning on bringing three routine to nationals in Orlando, Fla., this year, hip-hop, lyrical, and pom. Photo by Claire Graves
“Judges also pick a few of the other teams that were on the bubble, and they get to do a wrestle back, meaning you get to go again and try to get into finals,” Boekhout said. “You kind of get a second chance.” Nationals is composed of three divisions: small, medium and large, based on the number of girls on their team. PC Treasures is in the smaller division based on number of members. Though there are different divisions, each are judged by the same standards. Approximately 100 groups will participate in the competition with roughly 30-40 in the smaller division. “We have a lot of tricks in our hip hop routine this year,” Boekhout said.
With her team, senior Xaire Keith practices the dance team’s hip-hop routine, one of the three they’re taking to nationals. The rest of the dance team qualified for nationals at Dance Team Union Camp this year. Photo by Claire Graves
“We have a lot of technical aspects, like difficult turn sequences in our lyrical, and you only get those down by doing them over and over and over again. Timing is really important; spacing and formations is really important. Those are all things judges will judge us on. We even get points on our costuming, so we’re having to step up our uniforms and costumes this year to compete to stay at that level.” Recent rehearsals have been filled with more conditioning than their typical practice to build up the: endurance. This is to prepare them for the new level of difficulty. “Practices used to be a lot more lenient,” DeGrave said. “We could talk
a little more and have more visiting time, longer water breaks. This year it’s a tight schedule. We have lots of things especially with band going on. We have to do band dances, performances for soccer games and basketball games. We have to be super organized.” Each dancer is required to raise $1,200 through fundraising to attend the competition. The dance team will host several fundraisers to earn this money. “Dance team is very lucky, in a lot of other sports and activities don’t get the chance to go to nationals in the state of Missouri, and so we’re very blessed that we get that opportunity,” Boekhout said.
14, Sports
Sweat the Stress International stress prevention week sparks awareness of ways physical activity can reduce tension Written by Audrey McCoy
P
hysical activity improves the body’s ability to use oxygen and regulate blood flow, both of which directly affect one’s brain. Exercise also increases the brain’s production of endorphins, a hormone responsible for causing feelings of euphoria and general well-being. “Physical activity clears my head and allows me to breathe,” junior Maddie Klippenstein said. “It gets my mind off of what is stressing me out so I can focus on something else. If I’m running or doing some sort of physical activity, my mind wanders so I start thinking about what I’m grateful for which helps me to stop thinking about my stress.” Exercise can also take one’s mind off of worries and stressors. The repetitive motions involved in exercise promote a focus on the body rather than the mind. By concentrating
on the rhythm of their movements, people experience many of the same benefits of meditation while working out. Focusing on a single physical task can produce a sense of energy and optimism. This focus can provide a sense of calmness and clarity to help with one’s mind and body. “I like to swim, or I will just listen to music and think through the things I am stressed about,” sophomore Dylan Bietz said. “When I can get in the zone of just swimming, I can forget about all of the things that I was stressed about. It allows me to think to myself and not listen to people.” Some people notice an improvement in their mood immediately after a workout. The positive feelings don’t end there but generally become cumulative over time. Those who exercise often notice increased feelings of positivity and good health when committed to a consistent exercise routine.
37% of teens say they exercise specifically to manage stress.
* Information from the American Psychological Assosiation
68% of teens who exercise or walk to help manage stress say the technique is very or extremely effective
“I walk my dog because it takes my mind off of whatever is making me stressed,” freshman Aniyah Barry said. “Find out your hobbies and do what makes you happy.” Regular exercise helps increase self-confidence, bring about relaxation and lower the symptoms associated with mild depression and anxiety. Physical activity can also help improve sleeping routines, which are often disrupted by stress. All of these exercise benefits can help ease different stress levels and provide a sense of command over one’s body and personal life. “Exercising is good for your health mentally and physically,” Klippenstein said. “But, if you decide not to choose a physical activity as your way to relieve stress, just find an outlet so that the stress doesn’t build up over time and eventually cause your problems to be bigger.”
62% of teens say that being physically active or fit is extremely or very important to them
November 2019, 15
Teenagers need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days to maintain good health and fitness, and for healthy weight during growth
*Information from University of Rochester Medical Center Graphic by Jessenia Orellana
LEISURELY Active
Students engage in after school physical activities Written by Tatianna Tafolla
W
hile there are many opportunities within sports, and physical education classes, some students also choose to participate in various forms of fitness exercises in their free time outside of school. The reasoning behind students choosing to engage in physical activity outside of school can vary, for some it can be for general health reasons, an attempt to stay in shape prior to a sport starting or just for fun. For junior Rian Lambert, her decision to stay active outside of school is to help with her energy, originally though the desire stemmed from somewhere else. “The days that I don’t workout I see a difference, I’m always more tired throughout the day than the ones that I do workout,” Lambert For Lambert, she participated in a summer internship where she found her typical day including an average trek of 12 miles through a
campground. To make things easier on herself she continued to try to stay fit to make the hike more manageable and possibly condition herselt to run the distance rather than walk. “We were in a camp taking care of the campground walking in mile increments and it was just easier and we got there faster when we ran,” Lambert said. Following summer, Lambert has continued to exercise, how often she chooses to is dependant upon the week, but usually it ranges from an average of one to three days per week where she chooses to partake in leisurely physical activity. As a result of this she has seen great improvement in her energy, this is one of the largest symptoms to consistent physical activity, according to CDC Healthy Schools. Lambert also participates in soccer and has also seen the exercising in her free time help with the sport. “[Leisurely exercising] has helped
with endurance and just staying on top with the exercises from soccer,” Lambert said. For junior Kaden Kovar the sports she personally engage in are tennis as well as swim, to maintain a healthy lifestyle for both sports, she engages in different workouts involving her legs and her upper body. “For tennis my strokes are a lot harder with the more muscle im gaining, and for swim there’s more endurance, I’m just trying to get faster for swim,” Kovar said. An average week for Kovar includes one or two days set aside for exercising through activities usually ranging from an hour to 45 minutes. Some different routines to participate in at home can be a different variation of reps and styles of squats, crunches and sit backs. “Do [physical activities] outside of school,” Kovar said. “A good place to get started is at the YMCA.”
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