Sophomore Student Council has been working hard for the past few months planning the “Alternative Physical Education Credit Proposal.” This proposed plan would give a physical education 0.5 credit to those who are actively competing in school sports, so after qualifying students complete freshmen year Fitness and Wellness courses they don’t need to enroll in another gym class.

At Hollis Brookline High School, one gym credit is mandatory to graduate. However, the sophomore Student Council is looking to change that. “There’s no point in taking another gym class if they’re [students] already getting what they need from their sport,” says Class Secretary, Lily Coady ‘20. According to Coady competing athletes would not have to take another gym class, as long as they have finished the required year of Wellness and Fitness. “Student athletes are already getting what they would otherwise be learning in their gym classes from their after school sports,” says Coady.

The freshmen fitness class would still be required if this proposal is accepted by the school board, because it corresponds well with the Wellness class schedule. Coady explained that in the busy schedule of an athlete, having to complete a course that they already are learning in their freetime would be repetitive and unnecessary in their already very active lives.

A majority of the sophomore student body seems to be in support of the proposal. “I would like it because then it would allow me to take classes I’d rather take instead. Gym is only for activity, and I’m already getting enough exercise,” said student council representative and varsity athlete, Teresa Demaio ‘20.

However, some students oppose the plan. “I feel like if you’re already on a sports team, but you’re sitting on the bench and not playing…you’ll just be getting a credit for no reason,” said varsity athlete, Abi Blasi ‘20. Although the plan is great for students participating in varsity sports, some students wonder the value in the proposition. “We’re hoping that we’ll be able to pilot our idea for next year,” said Coady. This proposal is still in the early days, and many revisions are most likely to come.