Portales High trumpet line performs for school board

The Portales High School trumpet line left the school board meeting room Monday and marched toward the hallway to perform. It was done to ensure that meeting attendees didn’t burst an eardrum, Director Kelli Morrison explained. 

So, they played. Attendees rejoiced. Then the trumpet line returned and spoke to the room about how band has provided enduring friendships, and an understanding of work ethic and discipline. A couple members — and Morrison even — teared up. 

In a post-pandemic world, where anxiety and depression are running rampant in today’s youth, the trumpet line’s performance and testimonials illustrated how extracurricular activities can be a solution for some. 

Sharon Rowley, Portales Municipal Schools superintendent, said kids who participate in extracurricular activities are happier, more satisfied and better equipped to deal with life’s obstacles. Rowley later added that it could decrease the likelihood of alcohol and drug use. 

She hopes there comes a time where each student participates in an extracurricular activity. 

At the moment, the school district offers the majority of sports, and after-school enrichment programs, which includes Girl Scouts, dance camp, art and science club, beginner coding, and ballet folklorico among others. Enrollment is generally done on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Prior to the trumpet line playing, PHS football head coach Jaime Ramirez and a trio of members from the team, fresh off a victory, spoke about how football has benefited their lives. 

“It definitely helps with your mental health and gives you brothers,” said Tommy Lopez, the team’s star quarterback and safety.

“I think football and all of athletics teach you how to overcome adversity, because life’s not fair,” Ramirez said. “There’s some things that get rolled at you, they hit you and you have to learn how to adapt and then move on and to overcome.”

Rowley said she’s also a supporter of students participating in extracurricular activities not affiliated with the school district. For example, this could include children raising livestock for any of the local fairs. So long as it provides them valuable life skills and connects them to their community. 

“If I had my way, next year, whenever we have the opportunity to look at some other graduation requirements, if I could, which is probably not possible, I would like to require that every kid had to be engaged in something -- some activity, some sport, some club … because I believe … it makes a difference in their lives,” Rowley said.