According to the University of Missouri, particpation in team sports and related activities are beneficial for "learning accountability, dedication, and leadership." We invited our students to share how their participation in sports and activities helps them prepare for the world of work. Here's what they had to say:
"In tennis, I need to make sure I'm consistent with every shot; I can apply this to my shop because I also need to make sure I'm doing my best to care for my patients in Health Assistance." Kylie Smith ~ Neshannock Tennis
"Football has taught me hard work -- to never give up, and I can apply this to learning those new skills. I like learning new skills that can help me get a job in a Restaurant Trades. " Waddell Vogan ~ New Castle Football
"Communition within the field of Auto Technology is imperative. This is true on the field, as well." Griffin Holtom ~ Mohawk Football
'Working as a team helps me on the field and in my future career." Lizzie Poljac ~ Ellwood Softball and Band
"One of my favorite quotes is from Romans 8:8: 'The pain you've been feeling can't compare to the joy that's coming.' This gets me through my practices when I dance, and it gets me through my course-work as I study to become a cosmetologist." Bree Burgin ~ New Castle Candy Canes
Cross-Country prepares me physically and mentally. It prepares me physically by keeping me strong and healthy as I make my way into the health field. If I get a scholarship for Cross-Country, it will help me further my education. My mental preparation is much like it is for other sports; it allows me to multitask and to make quick, decisive decisions -- just like my work ethic in the health field." Matt Hawkins ~ New Castle Cross Country
"I enjoy the physical work and the attention to detail involved in football. This can help me in the future as a welder!" James Robinson ~ New Castle ~ Football
"Teamwork in sport can help my team win a game; teamwork on the job site helps me get done faster and better!" Ray Campbell ~ Laurel Football
"I have learned to avoid getting stressed over the little things. This helps me not only enjoy my time on the dance line; I also can enjoy learning my trade [cosmetology]." Lacey Lopes ~ Ellwood City Marquette
"Playing football and learning .... helps me prepare for the teamwork needed in my future career in computers." Michael Penwell: New Castle Football
"Sports has taught me to stay focused and be helpful to others." ~ QueaVaughn Napier: New Castle Football
"Do or do not -- there is no try.' ~ Yoda." Michael Birckbichler ~ Shenango Football
"Teamwork is important if I ever own a collision repair business. This is true for football, as well." DeAlamar Matthews ~ Football ~ New Castle
"As captain of my drill team for three years, I have learned the value of compromise, patience, communication, teamwork, and what it takes to be a leader." Kayla Baker ~ Union Drill Team"Drill Team has taught me many skills such as working well in frustrating situations, acting professionally in front of an audience, the importance of presentation, and the perseverance to do my very best." Tristan Gravatt ~ Union Drill Team
"Participating in the band has taught me that it takes time. I'm not going to be the best at something that I just started. I need to keep on trying and to learn from my mistakes until I achieve perfection. This is true for me in Health Assistance. Once I perfect a skill, I remember to maintain that skill for the good of others -- because of the process." Angel Wojciechowski ~ Laurel Drum Line
"On the flag line and in Restaurant Trades, teamwork is the key to success; I need to remember to be focused and be helpful to others." Maxine Alexander ~ New Castle Flag Line
"I try to work as hard as I can -- on the field and in Restaurant trades. I like being involved in both because I'm good at both." Marshane McElroy ~ New Castle Football
"I learn to 'go big or go home' when I play; this is true of my dedication as a future cosmetologist." Haileigh Hawk ~ New Castle Volleyball
"Leadership on the field -- the responsibility to the team -- will help me in the future as a Physical Therapist." Alison Witzeman ~ Neshannock Drill Team
Others who participate in fall sports and activities are as follows:
- "I have learned the value of perserverance through adversity on both my flag line and in cosmetology." Hallie Joyce ~ New Castle Flag Line
- "I have found that punctuality is important for my team, when I attend school, and in my future career." Jamilynn Liskooka ~ New Castle Candy Canes
*** If you know of others who participate in fall sports or school-sanctioned activities, please contact any Eagle Staff writer. We will be happy to include you in a second edition of this feature! In the months to come, we'll feature our students who participate in organized extra-curricular activities, work, and other pursuits that lead to future careers! ***
Skylar looks forward to graduating with her classmates in 2016. She states, "I'm a die-hard fashion girl who loves to read and write." She plans to attend the Art Institute for Fashion Design and hopes to one day open her own clothing line. "Fashion is my passion" describes her perfectly. She encourages others to "express yourself and make life FABULOUS."
