Teachers, students become more aware that increasing pressures to be the best make pre-school activities a necessary evil.

         &nbspAs I sat down and made a list of "to do's" for the week before school, I realized something: the majority of my free time during the day was set aside to go to school. But wait- it's Aug. 7, and there's already a reason to go to school? There's something wrong with this picture.
         &nbspIf you are involved with any extracurricular activity at Lubbock High, you have probably had your share of "school" before the year actually begins. Take, for example, the band. They begin practicing in late July and work from 8 to 5 on their marching routine and music to perfect their show for football games.
         &nbspThere's also competitive athletics. Volleyball's first scrimage is before school even starts. If you head over to Chapman field in the mornings before Aug. 14, you'll find a plethora of football and volleyball players working out.
         &nbspCheerleaders also come up to school for a hard practice, and to work on welcome and spirt banners to hang throughout the building. Student council also contributes to the organization of beginning of the year festivities, such as Waze Days.
         &nbspI realize that dedication is required to these activities, but practice leaves little time for relaxing before the academic work starts piling up.
         &nbspI envy those who get that last precious week to rest up and get ready for the upcoming semester.
         &nbspSo the next time you're walking down the halls admiring the posters or sitting at a game, remember that school started just a little bit earlier for some people.

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