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 C, D
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
February 4, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has selected 10 student-athletes from Class C and D 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 the number of student-athletes involved in those classes; also, there are two at-large honorees which 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 C Scholar-Athlete Award honorees are: Melissa Dowell, Clinton; Erin McDonnell, Traverse City St. Francis; Kirsten Olling, Breckenridge; Stephen T. Erwin, Royal Oak Shrine Catholic; Devin Morrow, Three Oaks River Valley; and Ty Michael Rollin, Beal City.
The Class D Scholar-Athlete Award recipients are: MacKenzie Ciganick, Bellaire; Sara Inbody, Deckerville; Grant Hohlbein, Adrian Lenawee Christian; and Steven McKenzie, Marcellus.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class C Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
Melissa Dowell, Clinton
Played volleyball, basketball and softball during her high school career and expects to finish with four varsity letters in softball. Contributed to softball teams that won two MHSAA Finals, three District and three Tri-County Conference championships, and played on a District champion in volleyball. Named Most Improved Player in softball as a sophomore and the same for volleyball as a junior; also named volleyball team captain this fall. Served in student government three years including as student body treasurer and secretary this year. Also serves as secretary of her National Honor Society chapter and editor of the yearbook, and is ranked academically among the top 10 in her class. Volunteered multiple times for the Dearborn Firefighters Burn Drive and earned CPR certification. Will attend Siena Heights University and study nursing.
Essay Quote: “Playing on a state championship softball team has been an incredible experience. More amazing, however, has been the journey and the lessons learned along the way. I learned that good sportsmanship is like a sacrifice bunt. When I’m given the sign, I step up to the plate and execute without question. I don’t expect a display of fireworks or a grand headline in a newspaper.”
Erin McDonnell, Traverse City St. Francis
Participated in cross country, basketball and track and field and anticipates graduating with eight varsity letters. Ran on MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 4 champion 1,600-meter relay in 2012 when St. Francis finished team runner-up and was a contributor when the Gladiators won the team championship in 2013. Served as a captain on her cross country and track and field teams in 2013 and her junior varsity basketball team. Earned individual academic all-state honors in cross country three times and a variety of other team, league and region awards for athletic and academic performance. Participated in her school’s Key Club all four years of high school, its National Honor Society chapter as a junior and senior and as student body treasurer this school year. Undecided on where she will attend college but plans to study biology.
Essay Quote: “Compassion from a sportsmanship standpoint is simply respect. Through good sportsmanship, we develop and show compassion by actions such as lending a hand to another teammate (who) has fallen down or congratulating a team after a hard-fought win. ... By having compassion in sportsmanship, we show a love and respect for others leading to nothing but appreciation and respect in return. “
Kirsten Olling, Breckenridge
Became the seventh in MHSAA girls cross country history to win four Finals championships and set the Lower Peninsula Division 4 Finals record with a time of 17:44.9. Also won the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 4 3,200-meter run championship the last three seasons and the 1,600 as a freshman. Served as captain of her cross country team the last three seasons and her track and field team. Named academic all-state in cross country three seasons. Served as her class’ vice president and the yearbook sports editor and won multiple leadership awards as part of the Future Farmers of America. Served as an assistant coach for her local Girls on the Run program. Will attend Arizona State University and study biology with a minor in kinesiology.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is more than just playing fair. True sportsmanship is knowing that your opponent has the same goals, helping others reach those goals and working hard every day. ... I get excited when I hear I get to race against the best. Sportsmanship is not about being happy even if you lose, but it is about helping your competition be their best.”
Stephen T. Erwin, Royal Oak Shrine Catholic
Participated in three years of varsity football, two of varsity ice hockey and expects to play his fourth season of varsity baseball this spring; also played two seasons of junior varsity basketball. Earned all-state honorable mention as a hockey goaltender and all-league baseball honors the last two seasons. Served as captain of his junior varsity basketball team and has been named captain of the baseball team for this spring. Served as student council class treasurer all four years of high school and has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years. Named Homecoming King this fall and earned Shrine Knight Award as the Most Outstanding Freshman Student. Serves as leader of the Shrine Service Club and has participated for four years as a coach and counselor in the Angel’s Place summer baseball program. Will attend Saint Louis University in Missouri and study either sports business or aviation.
Essay Quote: “A display of sportsmanship is important in educational athletics because it acknowledges the respect of other athletes and their roles. Simple handshakes after the game or some action on a bigger level are ways to show sportsmanship. ... Sportsmanship, in my mind, is not only respect but also caring for another athlete who has similar goals.”
Devin Morrow, Three Oaks River Valley
Participated in varsity cross country, basketball, golf and track and field and anticipates graduating with 10 varsity letters including four in golf. Served as his golf team’s captain three seasons and also as a basketball and cross country co-captain. Has participated in student government, National Honor Society and Business Professionals of America all for three years, and Students Against Destructive Decisions and his school’s band and drama club for four years. Served as his class’ president the last three years and also as president of his SADD and NHS chapters. Received Best Drum Major award at the Hastings Marching Invitational. Volunteered for three years as part of a Michigan Department of Transportation Highway Cleanup community service project. Will attend the University of Michigan and study engineering.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship is much more than following the rules of the game. Sportsmanship allows for a highly competitive sporting event to maintain a dignified manner no matter the outcome. ... All in all, it makes sense to look at sportsmanship in a similar way that we view friendship – treat the people you play with and against as you would like to be treated yourself.”
Ty Michael Rollin, Beal City
Played four seasons of varsity football, two of basketball and will play his fourth season of varsity baseball this spring. Earned all-state honors in football as a senior and honorable mention as both a sophomore and junior, and also earned all-state honors in baseball as a sophomore (second team) and junior (first team). Contributed to a football MHSAA Finals runner-up finish in 2012 and a baseball MHSAA runner-up in 2013, and also to a Regional championship in basketball. Served as a coach at Beal City’s youth basketball camp the last four years and coached the eighth grade football team that finished league champion. Earned his school’s Principal’s Award as both a freshman and junior and participated in the Natural Helpers peer assistance program for two years. Will attend Central Michigan University and study pre-medical and dentistry.
Essay Quote: “A positive attitude regarding my own performance, my coaches, my teammates and my opponents is of utmost importance when it comes to good sportsmanship. ... I am a strong believer in not engaging in negative speech of any kind with my opponents. Being a team captain and a leader for many sports teams, throughout the year, I am constantly reminding my teammates to just walk away when an opponent is talking ‘smack.’”
Other Class C girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Korinna Corbin, Addison; Elizabeth Baker, Bronson; Amanda Reagle, Homer; Mandy Haferkorn, Iron Mountain; Megan Chapman, Ishpeming Westwood; Keara Wilson, Marlette; Grace Leighton, Mendon; Allie Kendall, Saginaw Nouvel; and Kari Feddema, Schoolcraft.
Other Class C boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Matthew S. Johnson, Fennville; Carter Ballinger, Jonesville; Luke Joseph Smigielski, Mancelona; Dakota Hall, Marlette; Bradley Schaub, Marlette; Kyle Baxter, Mayville; Jason Beckman, Shelby; James Barber, St Charles; and Nicholas DeSimpelare, Unionville-Sebewaing.
Overviews of the scholarship recipients of the Class D Scholar-Athlete Award follow. A quote from each recipient's essay also is included:
MacKenzie Ciganick, Bellaire
Played four seasons on the boys soccer team, three of basketball and will run her fourth season with the track and field team this spring. Qualified for the MHSAA Finals in track and field the last two seasons when she also served as a captain, and earned all-league honors the last three years. Played on a league and Regional champion soccer team this fall and a two-time District finalist basketball team. Earned academic all-state honors the last three years in soccer and academic all-conference the last three in track and field. Has maintained all A’s through every marking period of high school and will graduate as her class' co-salutatorian. Participated in National Honor Society for two years, on the school’s athletic council as a sophomore and as her church’s teen representative the last two years. Also has served as school president for the Antrim County Youth Coalition the last two years. Will attend Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, to study pre-physician assistant.
Essay Quote: “Sportsmanship in educational athletics goes far beyond shaking hands at the end of the game. I learned lessons ... throughout my four years of participating in high school sports that have shaped me as a human being.”
Sara Inbody, Deckerville
Played two seasons of varsity volleyball, three of varsity basketball and will play her third on the softball team this spring. Served as captain of all three teams and helped all three win league titles and the volleyball and basketball team to District championships. Received all-league honors or honorable mention in all three sports. Served on student government all four years of high school including three as class president and this year as class vice president. Also participated in National Honor Society the last three years including as secretary of her chapter the last two. Earned Principal’s Award and Outstanding Student Award from the Sanilac County Career Center in 2011. Also participated in Health Occupations Students of America and as a volunteer tutor. Will attend Central Michigan University and study pre-medical with a focus on pediatrics.
Essay Quote: “Helping another person in a way that seems effortless to you, such as picking them up when they are on the ground during a game, is just one simple way to show sportsmanship and get others to realize how big of a difference you can make for somebody.”
Grant Hohlbein, Adrian Lenawee Christian
Played four years of varsity basketball and will play his fourth of varsity baseball this spring, plus three of varsity football and junior varsity as a sophomore when the varsity was eliminated because of a lack of players. Earned all-state and academic all-state honors for baseball, all-league in football as both a junior and senior, and all-county honors in basketball. Served on student council the last three years including as president as a senior. Participated in National Honor Society the last two years and as an international student conversation partner this year. Coached as part of the Lenawee Christian Cougar Camp for four years and officiated football, basketball and baseball for three years for the Christian Family Centre Impact Sport Leagues. Will attend Grand Canyon University in Arizona to study pre-medical.
Essay Quote: “Humanity is resilient, but it is up to us on how quickly we recover from loss. In sports, it is important to learn how to lose just as it is important to learn how to win. A good sport doesn’t let his emotions dictate his behavior.”
Steven McKenzie, Marcellus
Expects to graduate with 15 varsity letters after participating in three years of football and four each of wrestling, cross country and track and field. Served as captain of the football and wrestling teams and helped the football team to a winning record in 2012, its first since 2003. Earned all-league honors in football. Holds a 4.0 grade-point average and is a three-year member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society, holding positions of vice president and president, respectively, in his school’s chapters. Also served on his Principal’s Advisory Council for three years and participated in marching band, concert band and 4-H for four years. Earned his student council’s Citizenship Award and also attended the statewide Young People’s Citizenship Seminar. Will attend Michigan State University and study agronomy, soil science and plant science.
Essay quote: “An athlete with good sportsmanship not only strives to improve but strives to improve for the team, not for selfish pride and glory. Anybody who can put (his or her) pride on the line in exchange for good sportsmanship is a champion. Not everybody is willing to work hard for the greater good, no matter how beneficial.”
Other Class D girls finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Julie Ahnen, Bessemer; Vanessa Freberg, Eben Junction Superior Central; Kari Borowiak, Gaylord St Mary; Lyvia Deaver, Jackson Christian; Erin Gast, Lake Linden-Hubbell; and Jennifer Malcolm, Plymouth Christian.
Other Class D boys finalists for the Scholar-Athlete Award were: Bret Hiveley, AuGres-Sims; Tyler Anthony Johnson, Bear Lake; Jeremy Bigalke, Manistee Catholic Central; Ben Feliczak, Manistee Catholic Central; Alec Firack, Pickford; and Harding Fears III, Southfield Christian.
Students applying for the Scholar-Athlete Award must be carrying at least a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average and have previously won a letter in a varsity sport in which the Michigan High School Athletic Association sponsors a postseason tournament. Other requirements for the applicants were to show active participation in other school and community activities and produce an essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.
The Class B scholarship award recipients will be announced on Feb. 11, and the Class A honorees will be announced on Feb. 18.
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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.