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Recently, the Minnesota State High School League conducted a survey asking students to share their views regarding participation in high school activities. More than 5,000 students from around the state, including Chisago Lakes completed the Listening to Students survey.

Here is what they had to say:

• The top three positive outcomes that student participants have experienced through athletic participation: Teamwork and cooperation with peers Time management, self-discipline, commitment, responsibility, and respect for authority Fun.

• The top three negative outcomes that student participants have experienced through athletic participation: Too much time away from studies People expect more from an athlete Too much pressure to win (from parents and self).

• The three most selected qualities that student participants enjoy most about their coaches: Inspires and motivates me to perform at my best cares about and respects players as individuals gives a lot of his/her time

• The top three things that student participants appreciate MOST about their parents' attitudes toward their participation in athletics: Encouragement attendance at games/contests opportunity to participate in sport(s) of student's choosing.

Additional survery questions were: School activities and athletics instill a sense of school pride.

96% Strongly agree/agree

2% Disagree

2% No opinion

Students who participate in school activities and athletics tend to be school leaders.

88% Strongly agree/agree

6% Strongly Disagree

6% No opinion

Participating in school activities provides an opportunity to develop self-discipline not necessarily found in the classroom.

93% Strongly agree/agree

4% No opinion

3% Disagree

How much pressure is there on you to win?

73% About right

13% Too much

10% Not enough

You may log on to http://www.msh sl.org/students for the full survey results.

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