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RICHLAND COUNTY — At a time when the nation’s legal system has demonstrated a history of hostility towards students unwilling to compromise their Biblical faith, students throughout the area showed their resolve Wednesday joining in the faith-based “See You at the Pole” (SYATP) prayer movement occurring on school campuses across the nation.
“The First Amendment guarantees students the right to pray individually or in groups on school grounds during any non-instructional time,” said Matt Staver in a press release from the Liberty Counsel.
(Photo courtesy of Frontlines Ohio)
“All students may express their opinions verbally or in writing before or after school, in between classes, during the lunch hour or on the playing field, according to federal guidelines listed on our Liberty Counsel website.” Staver added, “These young people provide an incredible example that all people should follow.”
Several local students from the Lexington Junior High chimed in.
“Prayer is needed in school because during the year students can lose sight of how we are to live,” said eighth-grader Ruby Bodjanac. “SYATP is a chance for all of the student body to come together and pray. When we pray together, it brings a sense of community. It really is a great way to start the day.”
Elyona Weaver, another Lexington eighth grader, asserted “I think prayer is needed in school. ‘See You at the Pole’ involves students in schools praying everywhere across our land. Our GOD hears us all-He doesn’t miss one prayer. In my opinion, public prayer in school helps students have a mindset directed towards GOD where we can acknowledge Him as our Creator.”
“‘See You at the Pole’ involves students in schools praying everywhere across our land. Our GOD hears us all-He doesn’t miss one prayer. In my opinion, public prayer in school can help students have a mindset directed towards GOD where we can acknowledge Him as our Creator.”
Elyona Weaver, Lexington eighth grader
Youth Pastors Matthew Spiegel of Berean Baptist and Josh Richardson of Lexington Church of Christ Youth also participated with several parents. Interestingly, Richardson participated in SYATP as a high school student. Both Spiegel and Richardson agreed it was a great opportunity to support their students.
“I was great to see our students stand up for their faith,” said Spiegel. “This is another opportunity we have to connect with them. We see them Sunday mornings for church and for youth group on Wednesday nights. But we can also meet with our students on campus for Friday night football games and for lunch.”
(Photo courtesy of Matt Merendino)
At Clear Fork High School, there were over sixty students, staff and adults who participated in SYATP on Wednesday. They prayed for the school administration, the teaching staff, the student body and the nation.
Clear Fork Alliance Youth Pastor Matt Merendino and administrator of Unite the Valley commented, “It really was a banner day for us. SYATP has been a long standing tradition at Clear Fork High School for twenty-five years. The students are accustomed to exercising their constitutional right to pray.”
Earlier this month, an Alabama school was told by the atheist group Freedom From Religion Foundation they were violating federal law by praying over the loudspeaker before the game. In response, the Opelika School District told school principals they would only have a “moment of silence” before games.
The Opelika students, however, also responded to the complaint. Prior to the September 13th kickoff before the game, an entire group of students in the stands recited the Lord’s Prayer together. The student body made it clear they were not intimidated by the threats.
View the video below of the Opelika student body praying in unison.
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