20051207 Carroll Public Schools’ Extracurricular Activities teaches values

Carroll Public Schools’ Extracurricular Activities teaches values

December 7, 2005 by Kevin Dayhoff (680 words)

(Related – see: Sports in Carroll County Football Westminster High School, 20021019 Freestate Spectacular XVI Marching Band Competition)

Originally published in the Westminster Eagle

While researching last week’s column on the 1951 football game between City College and the Westminster High School Owls, I leafed through the 1951 and 1952 Owl yearbooks, graciously loaned to me by Dr. Dean Griffin. Each page rejoiced in wonderful extra-curricular school activities, a great community, wonderful teachers, school administrators and students who later assumed community leadership.

The same feelings occurred looking at my Westminster High School (WHS) yearbooks from 1969 to 1971, twenty years after 1951. Attending the game last Friday night brought back a flood of great memories of growing up in Carroll County in the 1950s and 60s. The more things change, the more they stay the same, only updated.

Last week was a great week for our community. The South Carroll Cavaliers and Westminster Owls advanced to the state football championships and the Westminster Christmas parade came back. These are all positive things that bring a community together – just as years ago.

School extra-curricular activities build citizens, leaders and community. These activities teach positive consequences for hard work and discipline, the value of teamwork and the pride and confidence that come with accomplishment or just knowing that you did your best.

My nieces play in a high school band. It is inspiring to go to band competition events and see hundreds of young adults proudly displaying the results of hours of practice, teamwork and discipline in finely choreographed routines.

In a recent long conversation, Superintendent of Carroll County Public Schools, Dr. Chuck Ecker agreed. He went on further to say that when he was growing up “near Uniontown… I came home [from school] and … had many other chores. Often today’s children don’t have many home responsibilities… [Extra-curricular activities] teach meaningful teamwork relationships with others. Today we have too many rights and not enough responsibilities. With school activities, students learn to have a responsibility for what is best for the team… And the consequences for not fulfilling those responsibilities come from their peers and not an authority figure. It’s more that just sports...” Dr. Ecker continued excitedly, mentioning school bands, music programs and theatre…

Caroline and I stopped at Harry’s after the Westminster Christmas Parade last Saturday for my routine “two with everything.” Two Harry’s hot dogs have been a “Dayhoff Nutritional Pyramid” staple since the 1960s.

As Kim Henn took our take-out order for dinner, she noticed our “Go Owls” buttons and shared her excitement about the football game against City. Ms. Henn, WHS Class of 2007, works at Harry’s, runs on the track team and maintains good grades. She explained that extra-curricular activities “have taught me time management skills… I realize the value of my time…” Ms. Henn is looking forward to a career in broadcast journalism. What she is learning by staying active will serve her well in her future professional life.

In my interviews with Dr. John Steers, Sr. and Dr. Griffin; the same words were repeated as to the values that extra-curricular activities taught them: inspiration, work ethic, overcoming difficulty, focus, tenacity and the adrenaline rush of hard work.

Dr. Griffin took the opportunity to reminisce about the careers of the 1951 Owl football team. Raymond Bankert went on to work many years at Westminster Bank and Trust Company. Allen Baugher continued the family restaurant business. Donald Copenhaver worked for Baltimore Gas and Electric in their Westminster office. Charles Barrick ran “Nubbins” on Washington Road. Charles Havens became a successful D.C. attorney and worked with the likes of Dean Rusk. Urban Bowman coached in the Canadian Football League. Dean Leppo worked with the county Sheriff’s Department.

All got their start in Carroll County Public Schools and learned to excel by participating in extra curricular activates.

Local attorney, classmate and teammate Bill Finch (WHS Class of 1972), says “extra curricular activities keep teenaged boys and girls occupied and tired… and this a good thing…” He mentioned sports and high school band. He cited that “various studies indicate that children involved in extra curricular activities have better academic performance.”

The grades are critical, but winning’s not bad either. Go Owls and Cavaliers.

Kevin Dayhoff writes from Westminster. E-mail him at: kdayhoff at carr dot.org

20051207 Carroll Public Schools’ Extracurricular Activities teaches values

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