Staying Ahead of a Busy High School Life
January 18, 2013
By Zachary J. Nine
Pinconning junior
At times, trying to get through a day of high school can be tough – let alone surviving four entire years!
With a long list of various activities going on at once, sometimes high school students may find themselves buried under homework, sports, friends, a relationship, a job and family. How is a person supposed to balance all of that at one time? What’s the secret?
Well, there is none.
However, there are a number of things a student can do to maximize his or her success and get the most out of those four glorious years we call high school. As for me, I know how a stressful schedule can feel. I run varsity cross country and track, I’m the drum major of my band, and I’m a pep band member. I also am the vice-president of our executive student council, a member of the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, a member of National Honor Society, and, obviously, a member of the MHSAA Student Advisory Council. I’m also involved with our school’s Mock Trial team. Not to mention (humbly), I’m ranked number one in my class by grade-point average and currently work at McDonalds. In my free time, I have recently taken up a role as a chemistry tutor as well.
And so, the point is that these tips work, tried and true, and they just may work for you!
1. Stay active
“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” - Henry David Thoreau
Ever notice how the really busy, active students who help out all of the time and volunteer constantly are not the ones getting into trouble? That is because they are simply too busy. A person doing illegal and questionable things has WAY too much time on his or her hands. Being bored can sometimes lead to trouble.
Not only that, but who knows what kinds of things a person will enjoy without actually trying them? Maybe you decide to join Mock Trial and it inspires you to be a lawyer. Get out there and try something new! Broaden your horizons! The more groups and clubs you are a part of, the more attractive your resumes will be for colleges and jobs as well.
2. Organize
"First comes thought; then organization of that thought into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality.” - Napoleon Hill
If you are already as busy as you can possibly be, or at least as busy as you’d like to be, the next step to success would be to organize. Everything.
Your locker at school, your room, your car, and even your weekly plans should be organized and cleaned up. Organization leads to efficiency, which can help you get through a busy week. It also will help ease some of the stress by preventing you from losing things all of the time or misplacing important items. A clean environment will lead to a clean state of mind, and an organized world will help you save just a little bit of much-needed time.
To help get you started, I recommend a planner of some type. I personally use my phone, so I have it all the time, but a traditional paper planner is just as good. Writing down important dates will help you organize a busy schedule and is a good way to gently remind you of what is going on in the week coming up.
3. Prioritize
“The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey
After organization should be prioritization. Time management is crucial and vital to success in high school. Homework, friends, family, girlfriends/boyfriends, jobs, sports… it seems as though the list may never end, which is why it is important to put first things first.
Which is more important: Going to that really super cool party on Friday night or writing that essay that’s due in English class? Of course it’s the latter, although it may not seem like the “coolest” choice. However, “you” time is still very important and should be prioritized as well. I typically play a video game for about an hour after school everyday. This helps me wind down from very long days and gives me a break from schoolwork and household chores.
When two events are vying for your time and you experience role conflict, it’s best to take a step back and look at the big picture. You should figure out which role will help you out the most in the future (in the above example, the role of student), and then fulfill that role first. Prioritize your most important roles, and don’t worry about the small stuff.
4. Be a hard worker
“Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty, and persistence”. - Colin Powell
As a member of many, many groups, I see a wide variety of people. Student Council is a great example of this. I see members who want to help with every single event and constantly are showing up to every volunteer opportunity they can. I also observe members who sit in the back row during every meeting, usually do not say a word, and show up only to events they absolutely have to attend.
Do NOT be one of those people. It’s clear to us why they’re there: for resume building, of course. But by doing that, they take away a spot from someone who actually might have helped the group a lot. It’s wrong. If you join a club or group, engage in its various activities. You may find it’s a lot of fun, and new bonds of friendship can be forged.
This rule applies to academics as well. I know some people who keep their grades up just enough to be eligible to play sports. That’s fine, if you plan on being a Michael Jordan and playing into college and beyond. But for most, high school is going to end eventually, and after high school, not a single college or place of employment is going to care how many touchdowns you scored in a high school football game.
5. Make positive, constructive decisions
“Chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.” - Warren Buffett
My final tip for success in high school may be the most important: Be you.
As we go through high school, there will be a plethora of people trying to tell you how to be “you.” Advertisements bombard our minds with what new clothes to wear and products to use. Maybe your friends are trying to change you, or your siblings are pushing you to do what they think is right for you. But this is your life. You are the one who has to live with the benefits and consequences of your decisions. As you go through high school, take heed that for every decision you make, there will be consequences, both good and bad. If you do make a tough choice and it turns out wrong, do not go running around looking for people to blame. Point to yourself, and take responsibility for your actions.
In addition, keep in mind that people are always watching you. For every action you take, there is at least one person who witnesses it and forms an opinion about you. Plus, the choices you start to make now are going to carry throughout your life. What I mean is that if you get into the habit of studying now, while you’re in high school, studying in college will be easier. Think about the types of decisions you are making now, and then ask yourself how you can, or if you should, continue making those same decisions in the future.
In conclusion, there are many things to keep in mind as you experience day after day of high school. It’s important to remember that every action we make may have unforeseen consequences! And don’t forget: Go out and try something new, organize, prioritize, work hard, and make positive decisions.
I’m not saying that my way of doing things is better than the other guy's. But these tips have helped me out, and I hope they do the same for you. Thank you for reading, and have a great year!
Zachary Nine, Pinconning junior
- Sports: Cross country, track and field
- Non-sports activities: Student Council, band, National Honor Society, Congressional Youth Leadership Council, Mock Trial, tutoring, job
- Favorite class: Sociology and Psychology
- Up next: I'm working toward attending West Point and studying something in the sciences.
- Pump-up jams: "I'm Not Afraid" and "Lose Yourself" by Eminem
- Must-see TV: "House"
- Favorite film: "The Avengers"
PHOTO: Pinconning's Zachary Nine leads his marching band as its drum major during a parade. (Photo courtesy of Zachary Nine.)
Scholars and Athletes 2014: Class B
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 11, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected eight student-athletes from Class B member schools to receive scholarships through its Scholar-Athlete Award program.
Farm Bureau Insurance, in its 25th year of sponsoring the award, will give $1,000 college scholarships to 32 individuals who represent their member schools in at least one sport in which the Association sponsors a postseason tournament. The first 30 scholarships are awarded proportionately by school classification and number of student-athletes involved in those classes; also, there are two at-large honorees who can come from any classification.
Each of the scholarship recipients will be honored at halftime ceremonies of the Class C Boys Basketball Final game March 22 at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing. Commemorative medallions will be given to the finalists in recognition of their accomplishments.
The Class B Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Bailey Baker, Eaton Rapids; Peyton Boughton, Sturgis; Courtney Reinhold, Saginaw Swan Valley; Roxane L. Strobel, Spring Lake; Anthony William Canonie, South Haven; John Gatti, Grosse Ile; Nicholas Linck, Grand Rapids West Catholic; and Noah Nicholl, Yale.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class B Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
Bailey Baker, Eaton Rapids
Expects to graduate with a school-record 16 varsity letters – four each in volleyball, basketball, softball and track and field. Earned both all-state honorable mention in softball and was an MHSAA Finals runner-up in discus as a junior, when she made the Lansing State Journal all-area Dream Teams in both sports; also has earned all-league honors in both volleyball and basketball. Serving as captain of the basketball team for the second season and captained the volleyball team for three years. Participated in National Honor Society for three years and raised more than $1,000 for a food program among other volunteer efforts; also organized a fundraiser that led to the distribution of more than $6,000 in goods. Served on yearbook staff for three years including as editor, and also as a volunteer coach for numerous youth basketball and volleyball camps. Undecided on where she will attend college and her field of study.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is the understanding that while you give everything on the court or field, at the end of the day, the opponents are the same as you – people with goals. This perspective has been reinforced through interscholastic sports – and I am better for the experience.”
Peyton Boughton, Sturgis
Ran four years of varsity cross country and will run her fourth of track and field this spring. Earned all-state in cross county the last two seasons and earned a 13th-place Finals finish as a junior. Served as captain of that team the last two years and ran her school’s record time this fall. Named academic all-state all four years of cross country and has participated in National Honor Society the last two years – serving as vice president as a junior and president this school year. She served in the same roles the last two years, respectively, with her Kiwanis Key Club and also is a member of the National Art Honor Society. Maintains all-A grades and earned an AP Scholar Award in 2013. Served on the Sturgis Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council for four years. Will attend the University of Michigan and study industrial design, engineering or architectural drafting.
Essay Quote: “As a runner, I’ve made it a habit to sincerely meet with and compliment my opponents on a race well run. Such an outlook on athletics has allowed me the opportunity to connect with friends I’ll never forget who’ve attended schools from 10 miles to more than 100 miles away.”
Courtney Reinhold, Saginaw Swan Valley
Played varsity volleyball for four seasons, basketball for two and will play her fourth of softball this spring. Earned all-state as a pitcher the last two softball seasons while leading the Vikings to MHSAA Division 2 Finals runner-up finishes at the end of both. Earned all-league in volleyball the last two seasons and helped her team to a Regional title in the fall. Served as team captain of all three. Maintains a 4.0 grade-point average and is a four-year member of her student government and Students Against Destructive Decisions chapter. Served as secretary of her Business Professionals of America state championship team and attended the Great Lakes Bay Regional Youth Leadership Institute. Volunteered for her community’s Make a Difference Day and youth sports camps. Will attend Grand Valley State University and study radiation therapy.
Essay Quote: “(After a volleyball District win) I looked down at my phone and I couldn’t believe what I saw: the girl, the one everyone had said we would battle it out, had sent me a personal message. She told me congratulations, and she said she could tell my teammates looked up to me and that I was a great leader. ... I was so taken back because this was also her senior year and last game, but she showed so much sportsmanship and grace to reach out to me.”
Roxane L. Strobel, Spring Lake
Played four years of varsity tennis and is in her fourth season of varsity swimming and diving. Qualified for MHSAA Tennis Finals as both a sophomore and junior and was a league or Regional singles flight champion all of her first three seasons. Also qualified for the MHSAA Swimming and Diving Finals all four years of high school and earned all-league honors her first three and all-state as a freshman. Maintains all-A grades since the beginning of high school, and participated in National Honor Society for three years including as her chapter’s vice president as a junior and president this school year. Also participated for three years as a member of the Grand Haven Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council and serves as co-chairperson. Played as principal violist in the Holland Area Youth Orchestra the last three years. Will attend the University of Michigan and study biochemistry and botany.
Essay Quote: “Through simple moments between opponents and teammates, a sense of commonality of purpose and an appreciation for the unique paths that athletes take in life can be experienced. Sportsmanship has acted, and will continue to act, as the catalyst for the development of stronger athletes, brighter scholars and better human beings.”
Anthony William Canonie, South Haven
Played four seasons of varsity soccer and varsity basketball and expects to play his fourth varsity baseball season this spring. Served or will serve as captain of each team for two seasons. Named all-state in soccer twice and owns his school’s goals and overall points records and is tied for the assists record; also named all-league three seasons in both basketball and baseball. Named academic all-state for soccer and is a three-year member of the National Honor Society. Has achieved all-A grades since the start of high school. Participated in the Youth Enrichment Services (YES) student community service organization and Fellowship of Christian Athletes both for four years and also volunteers as both a member of his church’s youth group and the Lil’ Rams Basketball Organization. Undecided on where he will attend college, but intends to study finance and accounting.
Essay Quote: “On the court, I saw (Lil’ Rams) kids running around, each trying to be superstars and not working as a team. There were sore losers and boastful winners, and I knew what my role in this program would be. I would teach the kids the importance of teamwork and good sportsmanship, just as my idols had taught me.”
John Gatti, Grosse Ile
Playing his second season of varsity ice hockey and will play his fourth season of golf this spring, and also played three seasons of varsity tennis. Qualified for the MHSAA Tennis Finals as both a sophomore and junior and was named his team’s Most Improved Player both of those seasons while earning all-league honors. Won his hockey team’s Coaches’ Award as a junior and is captain this winter; also will be captain of the golf team this spring. Served in student government four years including as executive board president. Also serves as vice president of the Michigan Associations of Student Councils and Honor Societies state board. Participated in National Honor Society the last two years and as a section leader of his marching band. Served two years as communications officer of his school’s Students Taking a New Direction organization and received a Ronald Reagan Student Leader Award. Undecided where he will attend college but will study biochemistry.
Essay Quote: “What those players seemed to understand is that the way one wins and the way one conducts himself during competition is more important than the outcome. ... Ideally, all student athletes would take the lessons learned from sports and use them to positively influence our peers by setting a good example.”
Nicholas Linck, Grand Rapids West Catholic
Participated in four varsity seasons of tennis and swimming and diving and also participated in track and field for two seasons. Helped the tennis team win its first Regional title ever as sophomore, then served as captain as a junior and senior and finished Lower Peninsula Division 4 runner-up this fall at No. 3 singles. Set a conference swimming and diving record in the 100-yard freestyle and broke two school records as a junior, when he qualified for the MHSAA Finals in three events. Serves as captain of the swimming and diving team. Ranks as salutatorian of his class and serves as vice president of his National Honor Society chapter. Participated in Interact Rotary with the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and on the Kids Food Basket Youth Action Board. Helped in raising more than $8,000 for a greenhouse designed by his pre-engineering class. Undecided where he will attend college, but plans to study environmental engineering.
Essay Quote: “In educational athletics, winning is certainly not everything. Winning does not raise our salaries. It is just something that we can take pride in. .. Sportsmanship on these teams is something that can truly define us. The level of sportsmanship one has is seen through a fair line call, an extended hand to help out an opponent or through simply a smile.”
Noah Nicholl, Yale
Played three years of varsity football and two of varsity basketball plus participated two seasons in track and field. Made his all-league first team as both a junior and senior and was named his team’s Most Valuable Player this fall, when he also served as captain. Helped his basketball team to a conference championship as a junior. Served in student government the last two years including as class vice president, and also participated in National Honor Society three years and as his chapter’s vice president. Participated as a Michigan Youth Leadership (MYLEAD) ambassador and was named a State of Michigan Patriot Contest essay honoree. Serves as chief deputy squire of his Knights of Columbus chapter and participates as a mentor for his school’s Promoting Academic and Social Success program; also has served as a youth basketball camp instructor for four years. Undecided on where he will attend college, but plans to study chemistry.
Essay Quote: “The attribute of sportsmanship is what allows athletes to compete with tenacity while there is still time on the clock, and yet, allows them to respectfully shake hands after the final whistle, commending the opponent on a contest hard fought. It definitively identifies the values of a true champion.”
Other Class B girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Greer Elizabeth Clausen, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood; Abigail Brown, Caro; Lindsey Brewis, Dearborn Divine Child; Callie Jensen, Gladstone; Grace Bosma, Hastings; Kylee Nemetz, Hastings, Amanda M. Metz, Otsego; Alexandra J. Grys, Portland; Kiersten Mead, Saginaw Swan Valley; Alea Penner, Sturgis; Angela Maurer, Williamston; and Alana Koepf, Yale.
Other Class B boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Tye Wittenbach, Belding; Carl Steinhauser, Berrien Springs; Ryan Spaulding, Freeland; Joseph Corey, Grand Rapids West Catholic; Matt Johnson, Hastings; Richard Cassell, Jackson Lumen Christi; Ben Woodruff, Jackson Northwest; Ismail Aijazuddin, Madison Heights Lamphere; Zachary A. Ohs, Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central; Michael T. von Kronenberger, West Branch Ogemaw Heights; Trenton Karle, Three Rivers; and Daniel Kosiba, Vicksburg.
The Class C and D scholarship award recipients were announced Feb. 4, and the Class A honorees will be announced Feb. 18.
Farm Bureau Insurance, one of Michigan's major insurers, has a statewide force of more than 400 agents serving more than 380,000 Michigan policyholders. Besides providing life, home, auto, farm, business and retirement insurance, the company also sponsors life-saving, real-time Doppler weather tracking systems in several Michigan communities.
The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by more than 1,500 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition. No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA, which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools. Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments, which attract more than 1.4 million spectators each year.