High school athletes are always a student first.
Athletes are idolized. They are viewed by others as role-models in their school, communities and athletic fields.
Great students are idolized as well. They are viewed by others as intelligent, organized, involved and respectful. They too are viewed as role-models in their school and communities.
These efforts required of student athletes are worthy to be noticed. As the 2014-2015 school term and sports season soon resume the challenges placed on student-athletes can be overwhelming. They must balance their academics as well as practice and game time providing equal dedication and maximum effort to both areas. Many are also expected to be community volunteers and give back to those who support them in order to earn service hours that many scholarships require.
Grade point averages must be maintained in order to participate in sports. Homework must be done, projects and reports completed on time, all while spending endless hours perfecting athletic skills. The Florida High School Athletic Association mandates that in order to participate in extra-curricular sports and or activities a 2.0 grade point average must be maintained. For all students to graduate in the State of Florida a cumulative 2.0 grade point average is also required.
The Florida High School Athletic Association has provided tips for the student-athletic to encourage all student-athletes to have a successful academic school year:
· Form study groups with teammates
· If you have the benefit of study hall use it wisely, completing assignments and preparing for exams
· Pay attention during class.
· Take good notes so that you can review during your free time
· Practice good time management
· Prioritize assignments
· Stay organized
· Communicate with your teachers ahead of time if you have to miss class.
High school student athletes are always a student first. Is the pressure that comes with participating in athletics worth that stress? Yes it is worth it for the sports enthusiasts.
The Florida High School Athletic Association serves as the governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Student-athlete, student always comes first