Use Of The Tappan Gymnasium

Some students at the high school take frequent advantage of the facilities in the Tappan Gymnasium, but there are many who never step foot in the building except to fulfill requirements for a Health and Fitness class each year.

Located adjacent to the swimming pool on Tappan Street, the gymnasium is equipped with dance studios, cardio and weight training machines, basketball courts, rock climbing walls and tennis courts.

The “Revolution,” a class that gives students the opportunity to work out and stay fit, takes place in the gym every Z-Block during the first semester of the year.

“Based on what we’re seeing, kids who take the ‘Revolution’ before school each day perform better academically,” Health and Fitness teacher William Graham said. “It’s also a good way to help kids feel good about themselves, and it helps build strong relationships with other kids in the class. Even if you already play a sport, students have been known to show performance improvements.”

After school, the fitness center in the gym is open for students to lift weights and engage in cardiovascular activity. Many students follow Health and Fitness teacher Keith Thomas’ “daily workout,” which he posts on the main board in the fitness center.

A Big Role Model

For many students, it is easy to think of someone who inspires them or serves as a role model. Junior Arinze Obiora said that his cousin Emeka Okafor, a center for the Phoenix Suns, has strongly influenced him in his life.

“He really showed me that if you fulfill your academic requirements, like doing well in school, you will also be able to achieve any other goal that you put in place for yourself through hard work and proper preparation,” Obiora said.

One of the most important lessons he has learned from his cousin is to always prioritize what is most important in life, Obiora said.

“He told me the number one thing I should be worried about is school and God,” Obiora said.  “Everything else is second in life and will all eventually fall into place.”

Obiora said that Okafor’s strong work ethic and dedication to his goals motivate him to push through challenges in his own life.

“He inspired me to always do well in school and to work hard at whatever I seek to accomplish, regardless of any obstacles that may come my way,” he said.

Jake Smith and Tasoula Burk can be contacted at [email protected].