Chizzle Wizzle at Cony Takes a Toll

by Alannah Gove

Students at Cony High School are overwhelmed by the endless hours of preparation for the annual Chizzle Wizzle show that takes place in the second week of March. There are two parts of the show: Olios which involves skits, dances, instruments, and page acts. Showcase involves singing and chorus. The theme of this year’s show is When Pigs Fly which is divided into three different groups: improbable, inconceivable, and impossible. The pressure is on for students to perform at their best while still maintaining good grades and preparing for spring sports at the same time. 

“It’s always awesome to be involved in the show in any way that you possibly can be. I’m glad I’ve done it all three years that I could. However, it’s stressful because I have very late nights and still have homework afterwards” said Cony High School senior James Mooney. Many students feel a similar way as James. Chizzle Wizzle is a big deal at Cony and has always been a tradition. There is some room for debate where students discuss whether or not the academic workload during Chizzle Wizzle should be lowered or not. One perspective is that students voluntarily sign up for Chizzle Wizzle and it’s their choice and responsibility to balance everything else in their life at the same time. Others believe that since a big portion of the school is involved in it, teachers should collectively lessen the workload in their classes. What do you think? 

Students are under the assumption that most staff and administration will not agree with their perspective because it would adjust the curriculum that is required in every class. If the academic workload was lessened, there might not be enough time to learn all the content that has to be taught in each class. How do you think parents would feel about this? If the majority do not think lessening the academic workload is a good idea, is there a different solution to be explored? 

“Cony High School's ‘Chizzle Wizzle’ variety show is the longest running high school production in the United States. It originated in the 1890s as a football fundraiser and has evolved into a major part of the Augusta community” (Wikipedia). This quote emphasizes the significance of the show which draws the concern back to whether or not it’s right to hold students at the same standard in the classroom during the months of Chizzle Wizzle. What do you think would be the best way to ensure that there are support systems in place to help students manage the stress effectively?