As spring sports and extracurricular activities pick up at Archbishop Carroll, students work hard to balance academics with their busy after-school commitments. Long school days, early dismissals for games, and hours of homework can make the season stressful, but members of the Carroll community say it can be rewarding, too.
Mr. Anthony Cimorelli, a faculty member at Carroll, said extracurricular activities are extremely beneficial for students.
“Students involved in extracurricular activities build essential skills like time management, problem-solving, and social skills,” said Mr. Cimorelli, who teaches theology.
He said he has seen many students grow as a result of their involvement in sports, clubs, or other activities.
“I have noticed the students who are involved in extracurricular activities show a great deal of maturity, which leads to better academic success,” Mr. Cimorelli said.
Mr. Cimorelli added that for many students, extracurriculars boost confidence and help them feel more connected.
According to Mr. Cimorelli, the benefits of extracurriculars go beyond just learning how to manage time or solve problems.
“Extracurriculars provide students with opportunities to develop skills that may benefit them later in life, and they allow students to engage with their peers and build new relationships,” Mr.Cimorelli said.
He added that involvement in school activities can sometimes help students succeed in the classroom as well.
“In some instances, discussions within a club or activity relate to course content,” Mr. Cimorelli said. “These students have an interest in this topic, which allows them to better invest their attention, which can lead to academic success.”
Mr. Cimorelli also gave recommendations for students who struggle to balance their commitments.
“I recommend that students do not commit to more than they can handle,” Mr. Cimorelli said. “Sometimes doing too much outside of the classroom can overwhelm students,” he added. “Take one year at a time and make sure the clubs or activities they participate in have their full attention.”
Carroll students say it’s all about making smart decisions and staying organized.
Freshman Madison Storck juggles softball, Best Buddies, Community Service Corps (CSC), tennis, and even karate and surfing outside of school, but she said academics still come first.
“School is my number one priority because education is really important to me, and I want to get into a good college,” said Storck.
For Stork, consistent planning and time management help her stay on top of her assignments.
“I have an agenda book, so I just write down tasks I have to complete every day—what homework I need to do—and I use free periods to finish my work,” Storck explained.
When giving freshman students advice about trying to do the same, she emphasized persistence.
“Get involved,” Storck said. “Don’t quit sports if school starts to feel overwhelming. There’s a way to balance both. We have resources here at Carroll, like counselors and guidance, to help you.”
Freshman Ivery Potoway balances a wide range of activities, including Carroll’s swim team, a swim team outside of school, Archbishop Carroll Theater Society (ACTS), Best Buddies, student council, PatrioTHON, Community Service Corps (CSC), and student ambassador work.
Swim practice runs up to six days a week in the winter, and she recently wrapped up rehearsals for The Music Man while also volunteering for Carroll’s open houses and seventh-grade visitation day.
With everything she has to keep up with, Potoway admitted that finding the balance hasn’t always been easy.
“When I first started swimming, it was harder for me to balance things,” said Potoway. “But now that I’ve had more experience, it gets easier. I have a better grasp on how to manage my schedule.”
There are times when she has to miss practices to complete schoolwork.
“Sometimes I have to make sacrifices because I know if I keep procrastinating, it’ll only get harder down the road,” Potoway said.
Potoway explained that her decisions are made by seeing the bigger picture.
“I value swimming, but school is more important to me,” Potoway said. “I see myself pursuing a career in medicine, not swimming in college.”
Freshman Nyonnie Johnson is another Carroll student who balances academics with extracurriculars, including student council, CSC, Best Buddies, PatrioTHON, and track.
Track, especially, is a sport that can take up lots of after-school hours for practices and meets. Regardless, Johnson said the support from family, friends, and teachers plays a major role in helping her stay on track.
“My friends and family help me manage a busy schedule just by being there for me—even something simple like a ride home makes a big difference,” said Johnson.
Like Storck and Potoway, Johnson also emphasized the importance of completing her schoolwork earlier when she knows she has extracurriculars later in the day.
“I usually manage my work by getting it done on time, early, or during school hours,” Johnson said. That way, I don’t have to stress about it on practice or meet days.”
Johnson said she has learned it is important to give herself a break.
“Yes, there’ve been times I’ve felt stressed, but pushing through or giving myself a moment to rest helps,” Johnson said.
She also said that because of her involvement, her high school experience is even more rewarding.
“Being active in clubs and activities gets me more involved in school,” Johnson said. “I’ve met new people and feel more welcome, especially as a freshman.”
