Friday night, thousands of area residents flocked to a number of high school football stadiums to mark the start of the high school football season. There were high school bands, cheerleaders, volunteers, coaches and their families who came together to bring to life these venues and kick start a time of the year we all look forward to.

The student athletes who participate in football, cheerleading and other high school sports and extracurricular programs, face a level of scrutiny many other students do not face both in the sports arena and in the classrooms.

Unlike a “normal” student, student athletes and those who participate in other programs, must meet strict grade requirements, and, if they are part of academic organizations and faith organizations, must continue to dedicate community service hours. In most cases, the students who participate in athletics, band, scholar’s bowl, and other programs, are some of the better students, not because they have to be, but because they have the passion and drive to face up to the requirements placed upon them. That is why comments made earlier this year in relation to having to possibly cut funding to extracurricular programs to balance an ever-tightening school budget was so shocking.

We know that children go to school to learn. They are not supposed to go to school each morning for the lone reason of playing football, basketball, or playing in the band. They are there to get an education. But, it is these programs, these extracurricular activities, which add life to the high school experience and, in some cases, the chance to earn financial means to continue their education in college in the way of scholarships.

As the football season gets into full swing, we offer our thanks to those who provide the opportunity for these young men and women to participate in the programs they choose. We also offer our deepest respect to the athletes, band members, cheerleaders and other students who put themselves up for such a challenge.