Staff and students at Armuchee High School have interesting niches and hobbies that fill their daily lives. Many students enjoy a variety of activities, from dancing in their studios, to painting and entering county competitions. Abbie Carson, a senior, said, “Hobbies are what make people people.” Every hobby that each student pursues contributes to their identity, no matter how ordinary or unique it may be.
Art is a popular hobby that is enjoyed by many staff and students, whether it’s the art of music, dance, or a pencil to paper. Mr. Pethel, Armuchee High School’s principal, is very familiar with the art of music, as he plays the guitar himself. Mr. Pethel said, “At my church, I started helping lead the worship, and now I play on a regular basis.” Growing up in a musical background, Mr. Pethel was naturally drawn to playing the guitar at a young age, and now he plays the guitar routinely.
Other forms of art that students particularly enjoy are painting and pottery- so much so that certain students participate in local competitions. Sophia Gulledge, sophomore, said, “I’ve always loved getting to paint with watercolors and acrylics; I just recently started doing pottery, and it has quickly become one of my favorites.” Sophia is very talented in art and she has entered and even won competitions. Gulledge said, “I entered a painting of the clocktower in the Coosa Valley Fair art contest, and it won 1st place.”
Many students participate in hobbies purely for the relationships and being able to do something they love alongside their friends. Emily Baker, a sophomore, has been doing gymnastics since she was little and she has formed many new connections. Baker said, “My favorite part of gymnastics is the bond I have built with my teammates.” Similarly, Emily Hernandez, who plays competitive soccer, said, “I play for Arsenal and my favorite part about it is my teammates and the relationships I have formed.” It’s clear that for many students, it’s not just about the hobby- it’s the people they meet through it.
Not only are students thriving in their current hobbies, but many have chosen to begin new ones. Briley Mulinax, a sophomore, said, “My great grandmother and grandmother really loved to sew and I wanted to get closer to them and that’s how I fell in love with it.” Briley has picked up a new hobby that she’s passionate about and grown closer with the people she loves.
Some hobbies are more peaceful than others, providing a way to relax and do something different outside of school. Kennedy Cape, a sophomore, said, “I enjoy dancing and reading.” Whether it’s getting lost in a book or expressing oneself through movement, hobbies like reading, art, and dancing are an outlet for students to communicate how they feel.
These hobbies and passions not only fill the days of Armuchee’s staff and students, but they also help shape their identities, build new connections, and bring them joy. Whether it’s art, sports, music, or any other forms of creative outlets, hobbies provide a way for students and staff to express themselves and connect with others.
