With school beginning soon for the 2021/22 school year, along with the various fall sports and activities, the Indianola Activities Department wants to pass along the benefits of taking advantage of opportunities to participate in some form of activity. Assistant Activities Director Jon Fitzpatrick tells KNIA News he encourages all students to take part in some form of school activities, whether it be sports, band, drama, or a club, because performing in them can translate to academic and professional success.

“The big part is being a part of something bigger than themselves. Being a part of a team, and really kind of understanding their why. A lot of kids pick up that why, and being able to take that, whatever it is for each individual, and take it back into the educational setting as well. And being able to really understand that I am on the show choir team, I am in the marching band, I am on the basketball team, and that is my why. So then I get into school and I am giving 100% effort in the classroom because I don’t want to let anyone else down.”

Fitzpatrick will be featured on an upcoming Back to School In-Depth with Dr. Bob Leonard.