Now I cannot say that all schools do this.
However, I do know some schools have a tendency to put more focus on athletics over everything else.
I was happy to see some schools balance the two during end of year award season, giving out awards that encompassed both academia and athleticism.
What I do have a problem with is awarding students solely on athleticism and taking academics out of the equation.
Growing up, I was a terrible athlete but a strong academic.
I despised running, which made up a large portion of gym class and I had little in the way of stamina or endurance.
The endurance run; a certain number of laps around the soccer field, whose number increased as we got older, was my nightmare.
However, I played sports, loved to ride my bike, and was/still am a heftier person.
I know growing up, there was a huge focus on sports and athleticism in schools.
There is always going to be the students who do not excel athletically for whatever reason.
Push them to do better, yes, but shaming them for not doing as well as other students should not be a part of that.
Director of Education for Horizon School Division, Kevin Garinger, spoke at Muenster’s Award Presentation and noted that every student is unique and has potential.
For some students, their potential will not lie in sports or athletics.
How are students being supported in unathletic endeavors in the area.
Just having these programs available for students is a first step.
I’m seeing Humboldt as a pretty well rounded environment for students who would rather read books than storm a football field.
Students who would much rather build something in Industrial Arts rather than spike a volleyball.
This year alone, the drama club put on a wonderful musical production. Artwork from the high school was on display in the mall for months. Eight HCI students went on to the Skills competition in a wide variety of areas.
What is available to rural students?
I can see it being more of a problem for rural schools to have programs like this in place. Lack of funding and a need for volunteers to step up and bring a supportive environment to kids who want to do something different or even supports for students who want to pursue these things on their own make for a difficult time bringing different programs into rural areas.
Numbers is also a rural schools problem when it comes to having enough students to create new clubs.
I am not saying that no programs exist for students aside from athletics.
I know personally the work of the Rural North Band, the numerous dance companies in small towns, art and music programs in rural classes, and numerous other things as well.
Kudos for schools, teachers, and volunteers for giving students a broader range of programs to choose from.
We will never have the level difference found in Saskatoon or Regina but let us celebrate life outside of athletics whenever we get a chance.
Local businesses are quick to throw money behind new uniforms or a score clock.
What about sponsoring a band so that instrument rentals are lower for students and their families?
What about funding an arts program so students can create galleries of work without the school worrying about how they are going to pay for it?
How about someone sponsoring a poetry night or open mic night where students can share their talents in an inviting space?
If we do have a problem, whatever the solution, it is going to take a lot of time, effort, and driving to make it work.
But showing the community what your students can do will make it all worthwhile.
