High School Involvement

A study published in 2007 focused on “high poverty high schools,” where at least half the students were on free or reduced lunch, it showed that the students that did not participate in extracurricular activities graduated from high school 69 percent of the time while students who did participate in extracurricular activities graduated 82.7 percent of the time (“Extracurriculars Boost High School Graduation Rates”). Furthermore students who participate in sports or extracurricular activities compared to those who do not participate or who have not been involved in extracurricular activities show; higher grades and attainment, improved personal confidence and self esteem, greater connections with school, attachments and support from adults,

Tanner started his freshman year playing in the second best orchestra of three in his school. Here, he excelled musically and made new friends with upperclassmen. By January, one of Tanner’s older friends had convinced him to join choir, so he decided to audition for the upcoming year. As a sophomore, Tanner sang bass in the top choir, even though he did not have any prior singing experience. The same year, he also auditioned into Symphonic Orchestra, the top orchestra of his school. While he was in both the top orchestra and choir, he started student conducting for the lower orchestras and choirs. By senior year, Tanner’s schedule was almost completely filled with music classes. Consequently, Tanner grew extremely close to his high school ensemble directors. It got the point where he could casually call his Symphonic Orchestra director “mom.” This inspired Tanner to make it a goal for himself to form strong relationships with his future students. Through his experiences conducting his high school orchestras, and choir, Tanner found that he really enjoyed teaching music and decided to study music

Challenges and obstacles are life defining moments in someone’s life that teaches them skills and responses that they can utilize and build upon for the duration of their lives. I would not necessarily call my challenge a moment, I would call it a period or season of my life where I had to learn how to cope with the many personalities of high school students, and differentiate who I would consider my friends. High school is a very stressful environment and peer pressure is very prevalent. Not only is there the fact that you may not attend a high school in the same town as you live, but inevitably, it thrusts you into a world of people you may not even know.

In the first grade, I picked up a clarinet. It was my sister’s, collecting dust while waiting for me to play it. From the moment I produced my first sound, an ear-piercing squeal that frightened my dog, the path of my life took a turn for the better. I began teaching myself for the following three years, along with learning from my sister how to properly play the beautiful instrument. The music pushed me out of my comfort zone: concerts that forced me onstage, tests that made me play difficult songs, and teachers that pushed me to be an exceptional player. From the shy elementary school student I used to be to the outgoing band member I take joy in being today, music has shaped my everyday life.

So he grew up with highly educated parents and this showed throughout his school life and musical career. Now unlike many he hadn’t been introduced into music off the start essentially, but at the age of 13 his father introduced him to an instrument he would learn to love and cherish throughout his musical career. Upon being introduced to the trumpet his father asked for some help from a dear friend of his Elwood Buchanan A well-known director of a musical arts school.

Engaged Heritage High School students in the area of college access by facilitating workshops and large group presentations

One day during algebra we were learning a new and difficult way to solve an algebra problem. I didn’t know how to do the homework, so I used the internet to teach myself,the website went through step-by-step and taught me and I was able to finish and get all the right answers on my homework. Technology can be a huge positive to someone's learning experience. Every student should be allowed to have a device in the classroom because it allows faster information, different teaching techniques, and teaches you how to find the right information out of many answers .

Music was his passion. After he graduated with the school he had started traveling with western bands hearing how they sing and what they do. Then he started touring with blue band and working as an musician. He played the clarinet, saxophone, piano and more for all these

I can say I’m a multi-instrumentalist. I can play the harmonica, the trombone, the ukulele, the bass, the piano, the electric and acoustic guitar, and I’m probably forgetting one. But really I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her” (Montes). “One of the big things I teach my kids is how through hard work, you can accomplish anything. Whenever a kid shows up to a lesson, I always ask them if they practiced, and sometimes they say no because they don’t have a piano at home. It reminds me of the days when I couldn’t even afford a piano, but I push those thoughts away and work towards helping these kids fulfill their dreams as I’ve fulfilled mine. Music teaches the kids how to work through a tough song, and through time and practice, they always get it at the end” (LaBeau). Ronnie’s School of Music has performed annually for several of the city’s prominent events: the Arroyo Lighting at Christmas, Saint Anthony’s Fall Festival, Winter Texan festivals, and many more. LaBeau teaches students of all ages, from three to ninety seven. The majority of her students, however, come from Saint Anthony Catholic

After attending different schools throughout Texas, I have accumulated essential skills and strengths needed in order to be part of a functional and successful school community. Being a straight A’s honors student, I can contribute to The Kinkaid School’s excellence by bringing all my knowledge, high motivation, and energy to the classroom. Participating in classes since the age of five, I have explored a variety of different art media including acrylic, oil, drawing, clay and sculpture, sewing, printmaking, and more. My interest in instruments began at the age of 6, when I played the piano for two and a half years. I was also first chair clarinet in my middle school band during fifth and sixth grade, and I continued playing during eighth grade.

My 4-H experience has helped me immensely in my high school coursework, and has greatly influenced my involvement in high school activities. First, 4-H has taught me to work hard. This hard work in the classroom has led me to maintain a very high GPA, and give me honors as an Academic All-State Football Player for the state of Iowa. 4-H has taught me to manage my time wisely, and to be a leader in my activities. As I am involved in many activities, hold down a job on a 1,000 sow farrowing unit, and support many more activities at the school, I have had to discover a way to manage my time that allows me to be successful at each of those activities. While being heavily involved in activities at the high school level, I plan to be just as involved

been, his interest in music came early, and he wasn't very successful with school. His beginning

A survey from Citigroup finds that almost eighty percent of high school students take part in a part time job. Students do not have careers in their jobs through high school, but jobs that can keep money in their pockets. The decision is left up to the students if he/she wants to work and attend school simultaneously; the decision should not be left up to the parents/guardians. Although the decision should not be left up to the parents/guardians, getting a job should be encouraged to high school students. Having a job introduces students to the real world and transforms students into responsible young adults. Nothing can teach young adults responsibility and management like the experience of having a job throughout high school. Since I am

Question 1: What key activities have you been involved in at school, in the GEAR UP program, and/or in your community? Also, describe your most significant scholastic achievement or other honor/awards to date.

Currently, Ethan is enrolled in both my music theory and rock ensemble class where he consistently demonstrates his versatility as a musician. He is always eager to try different instruments and is quite accomplished on guitar, bass, and drums.