Clubs, sports compete for student attention as means of engagement, enjoyment

igh school is a time when students begin to learn about their skills and interests. To facilitate this, West provides around 50 different clubs and activities for student involvement. However, a survey shared with students found that 29% of the respondents were not involved in either clubs or sports. The number of survey respondents makes up roughly 15% of the school population, meaning that it is very likely that the true proportion of students that aren’t involved in school activities is much higher. 

English teacher Scott Thurwatcher has seen a decline throughout this school year alone in drama club attendance. 

“We meet during W-hour, and we started the year with around 60 kids signed up for the first few meetings,” he said. “But we only had 19 students sign up for our last meeting.”

W-hour is between third and fourth hour and is used for students to get extra help and practice in their classes; however, it is also used by most clubs to hold meetings and recruit other members. Principal Erin Kohl explains how club members can use this time to recruit others.

“One of the main reasons we started W Hour a few years ago was to provide a time for clubs and activities to meet during the school day,” she said. “I think that students are more likely to do things when other students invite them, so getting those who are involved in a club to recruit is a great strategy.”

While the number of clubs offered isn’t scarce, the pool of students interested may be. 

“It feels like we have so many teachers that run clubs, but we are all trying to recruit from the same small pool,” Thurwatcher said. “There are a few kids that do it all, but those are few and far between. The majority only do a sport or nothing at all which can be hard on the other activities.”

Junior Abi Potratz is involved outside of school and would consider being involved in school if the activities reflected her work outside. 

“I volunteer at the Humane Society, so if there were clubs surrounding the work I do there with animals I’d be more willing to join,” she said. “I feel like a lot of clubs are directed towards a small group of people, so it's hard for me to find something I really enjoy.” 

Thurwatcher agreed with this idea and gave advice for students in a higher position in most clubs. 

“Clubs are supposed to be fun, but they should also be inclusive,” he said. “If students that are newer to the activity don’t feel heard or like they have a say in activities, they likely aren’t going to want to take the time to participate.”

Senior Alainee Smith has ideas for how clubs can be more inclusive to new members.

“Having small events or nights where students can come and have fun would help to introduce the club, especially if it’s new,” she said. “It can also introduce kids to each other which will make the club more appealing since kids wouldn’t be going in alone.”

School is where the minds of students grow academically, but the extra leisure activities that are offered can impact the effectiveness of their education.

“There is studied data that shows that students who are involved in just one extracurricular have high GPA rates,” Kohl said. “Getting involved in activities also helps students build a better resume as they apply for jobs, colleges, and scholarships. Colleges and employers are looking for people who are engaged in something more.”

In the previously mentioned survey, there was only a two percent difference between students who are involved in only clubs and students who are involved in only sports. This small difference suggests that there is a divide among students with a lack of overlap. 

“I think there is a lot of pressure on student-athletes to focus only on their sport of the season,” Thurwatcher said. “I understand that it takes a lot of training and focus, but as a club advisor, I’ve always tried to be flexible with students who are involved in other activities, so it is possible.”

Since the athletic population is relatively small when compared to the entire student body, clubs are a way for other students to actively participate in activities and events. 

“I think a lot of athletes are also involved in clubs,” Kohl said. “But clubs also offer options for students who are not interested in playing sports.”

While there are already many opportunities if there is an interest in a new club, all that is needed is a teacher or advisor and a group of students. Getting involved in school outside of the education aspect can allow students to enjoy the limited time they have as a Wildcat.

“There are so many kids that just want to get through high school and leave as soon as they can,” Thurwatcher said. “But the truth is that you’re here for four years, so you might as well enjoy them while you can.”

By Sophie Burke

Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue V

February 22, 2022