Whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior, it is not too late to get involved. I feel that I started to get involved around my junior year. It took me a while to find activities and clubs I wanted to join, but it was not too late!
By “getting involved,” I mean through school clubs, activities, and sports, but also in community efforts, such as volunteering. Marblehead High School has over 50 clubs and tons of sports that students have to opportunity to become a part of. There are even some clubs that are flexible, if you are unable to make some meetings. Also, Marblehead and surrounding towns have countless community service opportunities for high school students. For example, SPUR has many different volunteer opportunities that impact local towns, such as Marblehead, Lynn, Swampscott, and Salem. I have been making meals for people at the Lifebridge shelter in Salem for a few years now. I love to cook, so this is a perfect way for me to do what I love while helping others. There are so many local volunteer opportunities that combine service with hobbies and interests.
High school is the perfect time to get involved in school and the community. For National Honors Society, community service hours are required for the applications. For college applications, community service hours, clubs, and sports look great! But, putting required hours aside, I love to be apart of clubs with people that share similar interests as me, and I love to help my community. For example, I have been in Headlight for four years. I am able to work with people who enjoy writing and share stories, like I do. Now, as an editor-in-chief I am able to work closely with the two other editors, Emma and Sophie, and Mr. Higgins to continue this newspaper tradition at Marblehead High School.
Last week, MHS held an activity fair for its students. Each club had a table, and students could walk around, talk to club representatives, and sign up for clubs they were interested in. I thought that this was a great way to expose students to all of the clubs offered at the high school and provide an opportunity for students to become more involved in the school. If any student did not take full advantage of this opportunity, I would encourage them to next year!
On Step-Up day, in eighth grade, one mentor told everyone to get involved. At the time I did not completely understand why, but now as a senior I do. Getting involved allows you to leave your mark at MHS and in the community. It opens you up to new opportunities and new friends. I encourage all students, of any grade, to look into new clubs, join sports, and research volunteer opportunities around town and get involved!