Are Assemblies Beneficial?
Written by Karl Houtman, Former Student on Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Ever since Snohomish High School was founded in 1894, there has been an abundance of spirit that flows through the halls of SHS. These are primarily due to spirit and pep assemblies.
There is a question that is hiding in the back of our minds; are these assemblies actually useful to us, or are they detrimental to our education?
“My leadership class plans all of the assemblies as assignments,” says Vince Ivelia, SHS’ Activities Coordinator.
Ivelia has been the Activities Coordinator at SHS for fifteen years now, and has always given the ASB and Senate the power to change how we do things here at school. This includes assemblies, which are directed by the student body vice president.
“They are a good way to recognize students and make everyone feel like they belong here,” said Senior Tessa McIntyre, the current student body Vice President, and assembly organizer.
Assemblies such as the fall recognition, homecoming, and Veteran’s Day are good uses of our time since they honor students and other popular figures in our community, but assemblies that are focused mainly around games are not benefiting our education at all.
Pep assemblies sometimes fall short in drawing our attention and keeping it. Games and music dominate the crowd, while speakers will do their best to captivate us as an audience and gather our attention.
They do not succeed, which is evident since speakers often have to quiet the audience. This takes anywhere from ten seconds to almost a full minute, and is rather unnecessary.
“[These assemblies are] kind of bland and repetitive,” said Senior Brandon Radford.
The populous of SHS should have a say on this matter. Students should be able to submit their own ideas for assemblies, ranging anywhere from performances to speeches.
The entire student body should be allowed to have a word on how they spend their time outside of class.
From people who will be here for the next four years, to others relishing in their final year of high school, wouldn't you rather spend your time building a future through beneficial assemblies?
