Extra-curricular Activities by Rachel

Extra-curricular Activities by Rachel - October 2015 Scholarship Essay

There is often a debate over whether extra-curricular activities should be required in order for high school students to graduate. I personally am involved in many extra-curricular activities and they have all made my life better. Extra-curricular activities help bring grades up, focus and motivate students, and help them become more social. For these reasons I believe that activities should be required for high school graduation.

High school is all about exploring who you are and finding out what your talents are. With many programs offered, there is an activity for every student. Schools offer every program you could think of-sports, music, theater, art, speech, language clubs, and many more. Being involved in programs make students feel important and part of the school. They are also able to find new skills and talents they didn't know they had. Extra-curricular activities also help students make friends. I know I have found my best friends through these programs.

Keeping students involved in these activities will also help bring their grades up. The students will feel more dedicated to the school through these programs and will be more motivated to do well in the classroom. Many activities also have a GPA requirement which will help students stay focused on studying and performing in the classroom. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students that are involved in extra-curricular activities have a 15% higher attendance rate. Being involved requires students to balance their school work with their activities. They become more organized and responsible through these challenges.

Overall, keeping students involved in extra-curricular activities is very beneficial to the students. They become more responsible and more focused in the classroom, and take pride in their school. High schools should require their students to stay involved in extra-curricular activities and continue to encourage students to find the right programs for themselves.