As an eighth grader, I had already gone through a year of seventh grade at Tripp Middle School. A great way to get exercise and to make new friends is to join a school sport or activity. Do something new.

Tripp offers lots of choices. There are soccer (boys and girls), football, field hockey, and cross-country in the fall. In winter there is hockey, ski teams and basketball (boys and girls.) In spring there are track and field, baseball, and softball. There are also chorus, band, yearbook, student council, and drama which is year round.

Chorus is for people who want to sing their hearts out in a group or a solo. Drama is for actors/actresses, Band is done by Mrs. Holesapple, an opportunity for a few people to get out on stage and wow the crowd. Mr. Gringas does yearbook. Students in yearbook are in charge with other friends, and take pictures and assemble the school yearbook. In Civil Rights with Mrs. Wing, you will makes rules, to help stop bullying and racism in the school.

Try doing at least one of these activities during your time at Tripp. There has to be at least one activity you like. I found I like basketball. I had never played and Tripp offered it so I said, “What the heck, I’ll give it a try!” That’s when I found out I liked basketball, making baskets, stealing the ball, and throwing the ball all the way down court to make a break away lay-up.

Try something. Be part of a sport team or group. I recommend it to everyone to get involved.