The idea of a  “stereotype” is one portrayed in a variety of movies that feature high school characters. People are grouped together based on their looks, actions, and hobbies they choose to pursue. In movies portraying high schools, many stereotypes can be found.

For instance: The Breakfast Club; we see obvious signs of the stereotyping as it is said in the opening scene, “You see us as a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal.” In the Breakfast Club, the students are in Saturday detention; they become friends while plotting their escape, and learning that they aren’t defined by their labels.

The stereotypes today have no borders, as we interact with whomever we wish to. Nathan Allen, a junior at Greenwood is doing just that as he is participating in both baseball and marching band.

If the idea of stereotyping was more prominent today as it was back then, Allen would be considered crossing the wrong boundaries between an “athlete” and a “band geek.” But Allen chooses to ignore the lingering stereotype as he enjoys both equally.

The start of his baseball career began in fourth grade when he played on a little league team. He continued until seventh grade when he decided against trying out for the middle school team. Allen said that he missed the game of baseball and decided to join Greenwood’s team this year.

Playing the trumpet began in sixth grade when he had Mr.Collar (Greenwood’s now band director) for his director. The reason for his choice in his instrument was because, “My sister played it when she was in band, so I decided to follow in her footsteps.” He joined marching band his freshman year and has been in concert band for seven years.

Scheduling between marching band and baseball are parallel, as band is in the fall and baseball is in the spring. But, the baseball team is currently participating splitting half  to scrimmage each other.

Right after school Allen rushes onto the bus parking lot to play his trumpet for marching band, then speeds to baseball practice. “I usually miss about thirty minutes of baseball practice, while I’m at marching band.”

Many students continue to step outside of the box and participate in multiple extra curricular activities that range in a variety of events.