Column: Say goodbye to fall activities; hello to winter

• District 518

District 518

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — Parents of teenagers: Would you like to see your children experience academic success during their high school years? If so, encourage them to participate in extra-curricular activities.

Statistics have shown for years that high school students who are involved in extra-curriculars tend to perform better in their classes. That certainly seems to be the case at Worthington High School, as 78 percent of the students receiving fall quarter “Highest Honors” for grade point average are involved in extra-curricular activities. Furthermore, 73 percent of students selected as fall quarter “Students of Excellence” by the WHS teachers also participate in extra-curriculars.

Extra-curricular activities teach young people how to manage their time. They also enable teenagers to develop social skills that will benefit them as they grow into adults. Students involved in extra-curricular activities have an opportunity to learn about goal-setting and leadership skills, as well. It is obvious that participation in extra-curricular activities will improve a teenager’s educational experience.

Although participation in high school activities is much more than results on the playing field, let’s recognize some of the accomplishments of the Worthington High School fall activities. The boys’ soccer team completed the regular season undefeated with a record of 10-0-3. The Trojan volleyball team won 20 matches. The Trojan Marching Band placed high in each of their competitions. Trojan cross country runner Mubarik Musa repeated as Southwest Conference champion and Section 3A champion, then placed third in the State Class A meet. Teammate O.J. Ojullu also received a medal at the State Cross Country meet with a 10th-place finish. The WHS Choir and Orchestra put on a great performance in their fall concert. Finally, the WHS musical “Annie” was a smashing success.

With the arrival of December, the winter activities are underway. The Trojan hockey teams have home games today, when the boys face Redwood Valley at 1 p.m., and Dec. 21, when the girls face Fairmont at 7 p.m. The Trojan girls’ basketball team opened their season by hosting Redwood Valley Friday. The boys’ basketball team hosts Luverne on Dec. 14 in its home opener. The gymnastics team will host Blue Earth Area on Tuesday, while the Trojan wrestling team will be on the road until Jan. 6, when it hosts Sibley-Ocheyedan. The Trojettes’ dance team travels for all of its team competitions, but performed at halftime of the girls’ basketball game Friday. Upcoming concerts include the WHS Madrigal Dinners on Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 19 at 1:30 p.m. , as well as the WHS Music Department Showcase Concert on January 20 at 7 p.m.

There are many opportunities to watch talented and dedicated Worthington High School students perform this winter!

Mike Traphagen is District 518’s activities coordinator.

Tags: district 518, opinion, columns, worthington, education