By Yuleisy Villanueva

We have all heard it in the halls, students complaining about what they “have” to do at PHS. All the work that teachers give and all the rules that students “have” to follow. That is the stuff that every school in the country has, but what makes this school special is something that we “can” do. What would be better than a school that offers activities that engage students?

PHS offers so many activities, organizations and sports, that all strive to keep students engaged. Engaged sounds a little like schoolwork. These clubs and activities are for fun!

One way to make going here more fun and enjoyable is to become a part of the school community. One of the advantages of PHS is the availability of so many enjoyable school events that allow students to deepen and increase their bond with others.

School can be extremely stressful at times. As a result, school events allow students to take a break from all their hard work and be able to have fun with their friends and even some teachers. School events encourage the students to push themselves, try new things and discover new interests. It also allows for students to meet each other in a safe environment.

Many might not realize how important it is to offer students clubs, organizations and sports of their choice. However, PHS offers many sports like track and field, golf, soccer, bowling, swimming, volleyball, in addition to the more typical football, basketball and baseball.

There are also many clubs to join such as the Bible club, Photography club, DECA, (of course you can join the Hilltop Star school newspaper) or join the choir or band, school musical, Japanese Culture Club, Club India, French Club, or many others. If there is an interest in it, we have a club for it.

The main advantage to joining or participating in these activities are the chances of pursuing a personal interest in something new. Improving social interactions is also another huge benefit to joining or participating in these activities. One positive result of joining a club that many might not even consider is that it will strengthen your college applications. Colleges are able to see student interests beyond academics and it shows that you are a participant in the school community other than just taking classes. Extracurricular activities show colleges what makes you unique, and gives them background information on things a student is interested in and what you will bring to the college.

PHS is a great place to get an education and it is made even better by all the activities, organizations and sports available. School events allow students to take a break and pursue something that is fun and memorable. So get to class on time, work hard and then go join something that will make some memories. Go make a memory!