The Wellness Center: A Student's Point of View

This letter was submitted by President of the Scarsdale High School student body, Solange Azor. Dear Scarsdale10583: The school budget has recently become an issue of considerable dissent in the community. Some feel the 2.47% budget increase is unreasonable, and question the necessity of it. While their concerns are warranted, they are a bit clouded by the money value rather, and as a result are not as focused on the intention behind the increase.

Aside from the usual components (new teachers, maintaining special programs, etc.) the budget is set to incorporate the construction of a new wellness center. Our current fitness center is indubitably flawed. Many of the shortcomings emerge from the design and space of the fitness center; it is cramped, out of the way for most students, and has almost no floor space. The point of the fitness center is not to upgrade the space for the people who use it now; this new fitness center is going to be a fitness center for everyone. The school tries to stress the importance of physical health, but the only real way to learn is by experience; a new wellness center will allow students to experience first hand maintaining good physical health in a convenient setting.

The new wellness center will provide a workout area that is conducive to all students -athletes or not- who can utilize in order to to improve their health and establish excellent long term habits. By increasing the space of the wellness center, the opportunity for a better workout surmises; we can add more equipment, include a larger area for floor work. As one of the top schools in nation we should not be limited by shoddy centers whether they are academic, social, or physical. If we have an opportunity to improve our beloved school we should certainly take it. Correspondingly, the wellness center is part of a larger project to innovate and reform our school. The high school population is rapidly increasing, and with an increase of students comes a need for resources, area, and collaborative workspace.

Whether it is a wellness center, a larger dining space, or an extra study room, expansion and modification are necessary steps in the future of our school.

Most important, vote. Advocate or not, it is essential that as many eligible voters as possible go out and vote to ensure that the measures being taken reflect the wishes of the majority of the community.

Sincerely,
Solange Azor