How Hand Students Will Spend Their Extra 24 Hours By Margot Ratchman

Leap Day, otherwise known as National Time Refund Day, is a novel day that comes around only once every four years, granting individuals an additional 24 hours of time. For busy high school students, this time is invaluable. From zoo trips to chocolate making to cliff diving, there are endless possibilities for how the Hand community will choose to spend their time.

“I go go-karting every weekend and I’m excited to have an extra twenty 24 to go-kart more,” Becca Snyder, senior, said.

As a go-kart enthusiast, Synder said she often finds it difficult to balance her schedule between school and the sport. However, with the additional time available, Synder said she has a real shot at going pro. With aspirational goals to be a Mercedes driver, this additional 24 hours in the year is vital to her future success.

“I’ll probably just spend the whole day jumping around my room,” Gavin Wagner, senior, said. As a captain of this year's state champion football team, Wagner is always searching for ways to advance his athletic prowess.

He said the art of casual jumping is one that must be practiced repeatedly to demonstrate excellence and he is looking forward to National Time Refund Day providing him with the perfect opportunity for Wagner to master jumping.

On the other hand, practicing hobbies are not the only way Hand students will be passing their time this Leap Day. Lilla Schreiner, sophomore, said that there was only one logical way she could spend National Time Refund Day.

She said, “(I will spend it) with my family because it’s my cousin's birthday.”

While having an extra 24 hours is valuable for all, there are a select few who celebrate their birthdays on February 29th. Technically, these individuals are just a fourth of their given age, making their true birthdays all the more special.

Whether it be intended athletic training or family celebrations, students certainly seem to be prepared for National Time Refund Day 2024. There is no doubt that this year's additional time will be both well spent and appreciated by the Hand community.