As fall sports and extracurriculars start to pick up next week, we would like to commend area students who participate in an activity outside of school and encourage others to get involved as well.

Youth is the time to try as many activities and sports as possible, as many students search for the sports, productions and extracurriculars they enjoy. What’s more, students benefit from engaging in extracurriculars by getting lessons in teamwork, discipline and time management.

There are plenty of things to do, from football to tennis to soccer. If you’re not an athlete, try theater, or participate in a volunteer group through your school, such as Link Crew or the National Honor Society. Some students find ways to get involved outside of school, like volunteering at the Freeborn County Humane Society or helping out at the Salvation Army.

Whatever students decide isn’t as important as making the conscious decision to get involved. It is only through extracurriculars that we learn some of life’s deeper, more lasting truths, the sort of things we carry with us throughout the years.