A way to use the privilege of going to a college preparatory school that many do not have the opportunity to attend is through community service. SPA should keep focusing on encouraging service and more people to participate in it, and expand the required service hours to be required for other grades as well.

Having each grade do required service gives every student an opportunity to apply what they have learned in real situations is a great solution. There are many local opportunities to combine academic and athletic, or academic and artistic abilities with community service to help kids of low income families improve their tennis and reading skills, or to be a Free Arts Mentor and help kids discover their interests in art. This gives students a chance to be more involved in the community, especially places that may challenge their beliefs with a more diverse and cultural environment.

Although service is heavily encouraged at SPA, students need to make more of a effort to participate in these eye opening opportunities. SPA is so focused on academics that it would be nice do things not as revolved around that. Our privilege needs to be used to benefit the community!