Cost of equipment, enrollment fees, and uniform costs; it all adds up. Winter activities are underway at East, and many students are faced with fees and expenses.
Senior Angelo McLearnon, an athlete entering his fourth year swimming on East’s varsity swim team, provides his insights on spending for sports.
“I spend about $300 on equipment a season on swim caps, goggles, suits, and gear. Varsity swim also comes with a $300 pushcoin fee,” McLearnon said.
As students climb the ranks in a sport at East, the cost of equipment rises. Students begin thinking about their future in the sport, and the push for quality and even professional equipment to help aid their performance.
Senior Keelan Quick, has played soccer at East for three years, competing in both JV and varsity soccer.
“As I transitioned from JV to Varsity, I found myself buying higher quality equipment,” Quick said, “even recovery aids such as Icy Hot.”
But, athletes aren’t the only ones faced with high prices for their activities. Many clubs and extracurricular activities also have fees and extra costs associated with them.
Business Professionals of America (BPA) is an organization that prepares students for professional careers outside of high school. At the events they host, they require students to wear professional attire such as suits. This attire must be provided by the students.
Sophomore Sheza Khan, has been a BPA member at East for two years.
“I would say [a suit] costs at least $100,” Khan said, “and then you can add more for shoes, I would say $200 minimum in total.”
Additionally, Many students in BPA also need to use more advanced technology than what the school provides. For many, this comes in the form of a laptop and must be purchased by the student or their family.
“I bring [a] MacBook, which is kind of expensive, but I use it,” Khan said.
With the high price of participation in school sports and activities, East does offer payment plans on pushcoin fees to help minimize the financial burden on families; however, these fees still add up.
Written by senior Hayden Mulacek. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.