Have you ever noticed the contrast in the loud crowds at a game versus empty auditoriums for academic achievements? I have and I wonder to myself, are we truly focusing on the right wins? Can’t we cheer loudly for both?
Many schools in our state are know for both its athletics and academics. A lot of people in Michigan know about specific schools due to their successful sports teams; however, why are we not recognizing schools for their outstanding academics?
Our football team is a big reason people know about Belleville High School. I am a football player as well. The team has won a lot of games and championships. Needless to say, the bleachers at the games are typically filled with a hyped crowd that is excited to be there. Belleville football player Calvin West said, “The whole town gets behind the Belleville High School football team every Friday night.” They have played in stadiums and have been written about in the newspaper and on social media. When people think of Belleville High School, or even mention it in passing, people usually think of the football team. You’ll hear: “You guys have a good football team!” “Didn’t Bryce go to that school?”
When the local football team wins a game the whole town celebrates; however, when students receive award for their academic achievements, there tends to be minimal clapping and the venue isn’t nearly as full as or excited as a game. Academic achievements are often addressed quickly, and then most move on. This makes me wonder: are sports more important than schoolwork?
BHS Freshman Jeremiah Austin said, “Everybody goes to the football games, but you do not see people getting that excited about academics.” I have been witness to seeing sporting events with big crowds; however, when events surround academics, a light isn’t shone on it as if students were players in the academic arena. Often times, the achievements fall on deaf ears.
As for schoolwork, Belleville High School faces some academic challenges. According to Public School Review, a website dedicated to providing data on US public schools, BHS is in the bottom 50% of schools in Michigan when it comes to test scores. Additionally, 21 to 23 percent of students are proficient at math and about 41 percent are proficient at reading. This is slightly below the state average. The graduation rate at Belleville High School is 82 percent, which is only 2 percent lower than the state average.
Biology Teacher Nicole Irelan said, “The students here work hard in class even if nobody pays attention to what they achieve.” The students have to do a lot of work such as writing papers and doing lab work. This does not receive as much attention. When students get good grades or win scholarships for their academic prowess it is not as exciting as when the football team wins a game. I wonder if society or the communities in which we live in could help to change how loudly we clap for academic achievements.
This could be a problem because it might make the students and the town think that sports are more important than schoolwork. When there is a football game everybody gets excited. And goes to the game. When there is an academic event, attendance seems to be on a decline due to the residual impact of the Covid era. This could give the impression that athletic achievements are valued more.
Even though sports may be part of the identity of a school, schoolwork and academic achievement is just as important. Teachers at Belleville High School and all educators alike want to make sure the students are ready for life after they graduate, so they focus on teaching them skills they will need in the real world. Could our school benefit from finding a better balance, between sports and schoolwork? Both schoolwork and sports can teach the students many skills: they will learn how to work as a team, how to discipline themselves, and how to resolve conflict. These are skills they will need for the rest of their lives.
But the next time you attend an event or ceremony to recognize academic excellence, make sure you clap as loudly as you would for the winning touchdown.
