(June 17, 2003) — Many people with limited knowledge of Clark Magnet have looked down upon it in the past assuming that our students are missing out, because we are the only high school in the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) whose sports curriculum does not include the “traditional” sports teams, cheerleaders, and competitions with neighboring schools. These extracurricular activities have become so commonly accepted – even expected – that many find it difficult to understand how Clark Magnet High School students can live without them. However, their argument fails to acknowledge Clark ’s Intramural Program. It is considered by some to be a “more than adequate replacement for sports teams,” and the class of 2003 has upheld that belief for the past four years by their active participation and involvement in the program. The Intramurals consist of events that correspond to similar events that are going on in the world of sports at the same time, such as the World Series (softball), Super Bowl (flag football), and the NCAA “ Clark madness” (three on three basketball tournament). According to PE teacher Judy Thomsen, the Intramurals Director, these activities are a vital part of student’s lives. Unlike other subjects, they focus on simultaneously enhancing their teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship skills. Sharon Kim was the caption of the basketball team, Tennessee , during March Madness this year. She described it as a great experience and certainly something she suggests future “Clarkies” get involved in. “In other schools you have to try out if you want to join a team, but here, those of us who might not have the sufficient skills or even time still get a chance to take part in these kinds of activities,” Sharon said. Sandeep Mohan agreed with her statement and added, “It was a great way for us to have fun, stay in shape, and interact with our friends.” The Intramurals were a last chance for the class of 2003 to participate in a sports activity at Clark . Hari Avedissian, who played in the NCAA “Clark Madness” basketball tournament enjoyed his four years of Intramural sports. “This was one of the best, and most exciting, experiences I had at school,” Avedissian said. “I realized that we [the seniors] are still, in fact, an important part of Clark .” Surprisingly enough, at a time when senioritis has taken over even the best of our seniors, many expressed their great disappointment that they won’t be back for next year’s games. It seems as if Ms. Thomsen, and the rest of the teachers who officiated the games, achieved their ultimate goal of making the Intramurals a very memorable part of our students’ lives at Clark. “The seniors haven’t missed out on anything in the way of sports at Clark ,” Thomsen concluded. “Their involvement in the Intramural program has given them added memories to take with them after they graduate.”