Selinsgrove Area students gather to pray before class

Marcia Moore, The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.
·2 min read

Sep. 28—SELINSGROVE — As the sun rose over the Valley on Wednesday, 55 Selinsgrove Area School students met in front of the high school to pray before class.

A pancake breakfast was served before the students gathered around the flagpole, linking hands and praying aloud and silently for about 15 minutes.

Eighth-grade student Violet Shaffer invited an onlooker into the circle with an outstretched hand.

"It makes me feel good to speak His word and pray," she said.

The annual student prayer gathering has been held for years at the beginning of the school year and is gaining in participation as students seek connection with others, said teacher Seth Martin.

The COVID-19 pandemic "derailed that personal connection" for many, he said.

Seniors Natalie Howell, Erika Meiser and Jillian Foss are leaders in the district's Young Disciples Club and have seen membership grow from about six students to an average of 20 each meeting this year.

"We're at the point of not fitting in the room," Foss said. "This has been brewing for a long time. People are wanting to grow closer."

Howell said the recent death of Max Engle, the Jersey Shore football player who died from a traumatic brain injury after collapsing on the field Sept. 8 during a football game with Selinsgrove, also likely boosted attendance at Wednesday's prayer circle.

"It set off a revival" in faith, she said.

Carter Young is spending his senior year taking classes at Bloomsburg University, but rose early to attend the prayer circle at the high school.

"I heard there was going to be a bunch of people, and a free breakfast," he said with a smile, before adding, "Turning to God gives comfort and a sense of peace."

For sophomores Addie Geipel and Carly Scorsone, taking part in faith-based groups with like-minded teens gives them a sense of security at school.

"I've been a Christian all my life. Meeting others who are interested in the same thing ... we can guide each other," said Geipel.

"It makes everyone feel more welcome," Scorsone said.

Midd-West School students held a similar prayer circle at the high school in Middleburg Wednesday morning.