The Importance of Scholarships for Student-Athletes
By Liam Doyle
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Photo by Kenneth Manoj (MassLive)
High school athletes work really hard to earn scholarships so they can go to college. It’s not easy to be good enough to play for a Division 1 school, so these students have to put in a lot of time and effort. Some people think it’s unfair for athletes to get scholarships, but the truth is, these scholarships give kids opportunities they might not have otherwise. They also push students to do better in both sports and school because they know they need good grades to qualify. That’s why I believe it’s fair for athletes to get scholarships to help them continue their education.
First of all, high school athletes work extremely hard to earn scholarships from colleges. It is very difficult to be talented enough to play for Division 1 schools, so these students must dedicate themselves to their sport. Many of them wake up at six in the morning every day during the summer to prepare for their season. As I mentioned before, only two percent of high school athletes receive a scholarship to play sports in college, so schools are not prioritizing athletics over academics.
Second, there is no disadvantage for students who do not play sports because they can still earn scholarships based on their academic achievements. Students with strong grades can receive financial aid from the school, ensuring that non-athletes also have opportunities for scholarships. For example, both of my sisters do not play sports, yet they were able to attend college with financial support from both their schools and community programs.
Finally, offering scholarships to student-athletes helps inspire others to set and achieve goals. When students see their peers earning scholarships, it motivates them to work harder in both sports and academics. Additionally, student-athletes must maintain a good GPA to qualify for scholarships. Schools will not award scholarships to athletes who do not perform well academically. This teaches them that sports alone will not guarantee success in life. In fact, many former NFL players face financial struggles after retirement, highlighting the importance of education.
This is why I believe it is fair for athletes to receive scholarships for college. In fact, it is essential. Without scholarships, some incredibly talented athletes might not have the opportunity to attend college simply because their families cannot afford it.
How to Survive Middle School: A Guide
By Claire Lareau and Maxie Gawron
Wondering how to make it through the whirlwind of middle school? Don’t worry—this guide has everything you need to survive this wild stage of life.
#1: Essentials
First, make sure you have the right supplies. Always get the items listed on your school supply list—you do not want to get sent to the office just because you forgot a notebook. And please, charge your Chromebook. Walking into class with a dead device is not a good look, especially if you end up having to borrow one and get called out in front of everyone.
#2: Self-Care
Keep a self-care kit in your backpack. Include chapstick, lotion, hand sanitizer, deodorant, and anything else you might need to feel fresh. Trust us—you don’t want to spend the day with dry lips or questionable body odor. Little things like this can make a big difference.
#3: Teacher Tips
Being kind and respectful to your teachers can go a long way. You don’t have to be best friends, but showing appreciation and being polite helps build a good relationship. Teachers notice when you’re thoughtful, and that can really make school life smoother.
#4: Ask Questions
Seriously, ask questions. If you’re confused about something, speak up! Getting clarification can save your grade—and your stress levels. People who ask questions are often the ones who truly understand the material. It’s a smart move.
#5: Turn in Your Homework
This one’s big: TURN IN YOUR HOMEWORK ON TIME. Set reminders on your phone or use a planner—whatever works for you. Late work might still be accepted, but your grade can take a hit. Staying on top of assignments makes life way easier.
#6: Study Smart
Got a test coming up? Make a plan to study a little each day. Even 15 minutes can help. Don’t try to cram everything the night before—it’s better to spread it out and actually remember what you studied. Study smart, not hard.
#7: Popularity
Don’t stress about being popular. Middle school is full of people trying to figure themselves out. The best thing you can do is be yourself. Everyone is cool in their own way—no need to fake it just to fit in.
#8: Middle School Myths
Let’s bust a few myths:
“Teachers give tons of homework.” Not true! They give what they think you can handle.
“Teachers are mean.” Nope. Some are strict, but that doesn’t mean they’re mean—they just want you to learn.
“You’ll always be late to class.” If you stay focused and on-task, you’ll be fine. And if a teacher holds you late, they’ll usually give you a pass.
#9: Try to Have Fun
Your mindset matters. If you go into middle school expecting it to be terrible, it probably will be. But if you stay open, try to enjoy the little things, and focus on the positive, you’ll have a much better time.
#10: Organization
Staying organized is key. Try doing a “backpack dump” on a free day—take everything out and reorganize. Use folders, color-code, or whatever system works for you. Lockers are helpful, but not necessary. Keeping your stuff together helps you feel more in control.
We hope you found this guide helpful! Middle school can be a wild ride, but with the right tools and mindset, you’ve totally got this. Thanks for reading, and good luck on your journey!
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