They are always in the spotlight because they entertain us and they inspire us. But even when it's no longer game time, professional athletes are still in the society's spotlight. The question becomes to what extent do we, as high school athletes, look up to these so called "role models"? That is, assuming that beneath that glamorized image is indeed the heart of an admirable person.

After all, they are in the spotlight and they do have fans, the responsibility to be a good, positive example for fans, especially the youth, is almost implied.

But never in a professional athlete's contract does it stipulate for these athletes to become a humanitarian, and some would agree that athletes are really not the highest caliber of character, considering in the professional leagues some athletes struggle with problems such as lying, drug and steroid use, and most recently, cheating.

Just last month, Tiger Woods presented his apology to society for his "irresponsible and selfish behavior".

According to a RHS survey, 39.7 percent of students believe his image is permanently tarnished. 36.1 percent are indifferent, while a forgiving 24.2 percent would rather focus just on his athleticism.

Woods' behavior is analogous to the 2009 incident where paparazzi photographed Michael Phelps smoking from a bong, just months after his world-record Olympic showcase. Rocklin students still consider Woods' story a more serious offense.

Common misconception goes that stellar athletic talent equals perfection in every aspect of life. But perhaps these misdemeanors on behalf of the athletes remind us that no matter how much we idolize them, they are not super human beings. Simply, they are elevated humans, by humans.

"If we based ourselves on the lives of a few people who have dedicated themselves to a single thing, then society would fall apart and there would be no well-rounded people left in this world," said sophomore wrestler Forrest West.

While the chance of becoming a professional athlete is .00565 percent, it doesn't mean that we can't aspire to be like them in some regard. Rather,athletes can be admired in arenas outside of athletics-like hard work and dedication.

USA Swimming teams up with the Mutual of Omaha to sponsor a "Break-Out" Swim Clinic, where nationally-ranked and Olympic swimmers travel around the country to instruct swimmers in technique and encourage them to be good citizens. Olympian Josh Davis tells kids that for them to become great athletes, they not only need to exercise their body-but also their heart and mind. He says this means good relationships with family and friends, keeping physical and mental fitness a priority, and respecting themselves and those around them.

Saints quarterback, Drew Brees carries out the same message to aspiring athletes and his community.
He established, The Brees Dream Foundation, an organization "advancing research in the fight against cancer and providing care, education and opportunities for children in need." Already, the organization has donated over $4,500,000 to charitable and academic causes in New Orleans, San Diego, and West Lafayette/Purdue communities.

As freshman Annie Ellis, "Some manage their fame well and still work hard, give to others, and remember what is important in life, but others change when they become pros or famous and forget how to be decent people. I think we can use pros as role models for hard work and following your dreams, but we need to find who we are by ourselves and be unique individuals."