For a vast majority of students attending PHS, there is a blissful unawareness of the activities that take place way before the first bell ringing at 7:50. From early hour weight-training, more in-depth welding and jazz band rehearsals, quite a few students get up before the sun rises to participate. 

Interestingly enough, Powell High School has offered three classes during this unknown period for the past couple of years. Out of the participating thirty-seven students, some remark that while it can be a pain to get up at that hour in the morning, it is well worth the effort and often pays off in the long run. 

“I signed up for [Zero Hour Weights] because I wanted to be stronger for my sports,” junior Blake Nissen said. “It definitely sucks waking up that early, but I’ve been doing it for three years now so I’ve gotten used to it. I love getting the gains.”

Specifically in the pre-sunrise weights class, many share the sentiment that working out in the morning certainly allows them to reach goals that might not be achievable in a regular school day. 

“I think having weights as a morning class is a great way to not only hold myself accountable, but also allow for classes that might not regularary fit into a person’s schedule,” junior Grace Coombs said. “Sure, it might make the day seem longer, but if someone is really passionate about a class, I don’t think they would mind showing up to school a little earlier than everyone else.” 

As for the other group of early birds, another class offered is Jazz Band. Occurring every Tuesday and Thursday morning from 7:15-7:45, this honors band group allows students who want to go to the next level to play their instrument in a unique way. 

“My favorite part about Jazz Band is that I get to play songs that appeal to my likeness,” sophomore Jon Hawley said. “Concert Band doesn’t achieve that all the time for me, so playing in Jazz Band helps keep me inspired in music.”

And just as the same with weights, numerous kids involved with Jazz Band remark that having the chance to be in this class genuinely gives them the chance to be involved with something that they love.