As with any other home or business, Plymouth High School is affected by the economy as well.  Despite the circumstances however,  PHS and its students are still standing strong as they undergo the many effects of today’s fluctuating economy.

Several students at PHS were asked what they think of when they hear the word economy.  Sophomore Haley Adams said that she thinks of “money” when she hears the word economy.  Freshman Tristan Roberts also answered this question and replied, “When I hear the word economy I think about pollution and how polluted our economy is by modern-day things.”  Sophomore Triston McCallum responded, “I think of the ever changing stock market that vastly affects not only the United States’s economy, rather the entire world’s economy. Also, I think of the job industry and the pandemonium involved in the constantly changing world.”  The very implementations in which the world’s economy focuses on is not only inconsistent, but has been driven to the point where ordinary people are learning the meaning of poverty. 

There are constant inconsistencies in the persistent inflation of prices across the board for food, transportation and materials that have crippled school systems nationwide.  At the same time, schools have to deal with the effects of economic stress on families as the parents of the students lose their jobs as well as their homes.  When asked “On a scale of 1-10 how bad do you think the economy is now?” freshman Kirsten Morrow replied with a seven.  Teachers these days must be understanding and flexible with their students, considering each student’s life given the current economic crisis is necessary in order to maintain a neutral environment for the students as well as the teacher.  Many students often struggle at times with getting rides to school as well as other activities due to high gas prices. Cody Clark explained that “I carpool with my friends because at the time gas may be expensive, and it is better for the atmosphere.”

On the contrary, some students such as senior Olivia Hilliard as well as others at this school believe that the economy is getting better, others students disagree.  Whether it be a new fad that is running its course or a new accessory that everyone has, an inflated income is a must in the ever so challenging high school world. Students often take for granted the things that their parents purchase for them, and do not take into consideration how much the purchasing of just one item can affect the income of an average household. 

PHS has been able to relieve some of the stress from its students, as well as helping the school in general with its own budget demands.  The school has giving each student a MacBook, allowing teachers to use less paper. Junior Brian Deacon said, “Buying the Macs has made things easier and harder…”  In regards to students, PHS has offered free and reduced lunch to low income families, benefits to help families in need during the holidays, and reduced text book rental fees.  This not only helps families in need, but it also allows the student to feel just as important as the rest, by allowing a confidential low budget assistance system.

This is period of great disparity in economic stability and challenges.  PHS is insuring that it keeps a fair and balanced education while it shudders through the challenging recession.