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Skateboarding in Schools: Changing Lives Two Trucks at a Time
By Kelsey Medina and Dr. Benjamin Drury
Skateboarding is often regarded as a rebellious subculture, dismissed by many as a mere hobby or dangerous activity. Growing up and still today I see far more threatening signage attempting to dissuade interested skaters from grinding their rails or otherwise “vandalize” private property. When my friends and I went out skating in our neighborhood, we always received glares from older men and women sitting as still as a cat in aluminum chairs in their opened garage. We were social and professional outcasts. However, regardless of my negative experiences related to stigma associated with skateboarding, I firmly believe that skateboarding should be recognized and embraced as a valuable class in every high school curriculum. Beyond being a sport with the spirit of full send, skateboarding instills a unique set of skills, promotes physical fitness, cultivates creativity, and fosters a sense of community. By integrating skateboarding into the educational system, we can provide students with a holistic learning experience that goes beyond traditional academics.
Physical Fitness: One of the primary arguments for introducing skateboarding as a class in high schools is the promotion of physical fitness. High school students are developing patterns of behavior that will last well into…
