Bright and early Sept. 25, students met at the flagpole by the football field and prayed for a successful new school year. At 7:10 a.m., members of the First Priority club circled the pole and joined hands. They first recited the day’s gospel, and then they prayed for their own intentions. This event was hosted to celebrate National Day of Student Prayer. See You at the Pole began in 1990 as a grassroots movement to encourage prayer and safety at school, started by 10 students.

Dr. Mercedes Torres, the senior high advisor of the First priority club, reflected on her experience leading the prayer once again. “Mrs. Carolyn Gonano, former World Language Department Chair, started First Priority almost 30 years ago, and when she retired, she asked me to take over; this is my 14th year leading and organizing this event,” Torres said. “I felt connected with everyone’s faith, compassion, hope for peace, love for our friends, families, teachers, school, our nation, our world.”

Pastries such as muffins and guava and cheese pastelitos were handed out to students after the prayer had ended at 7:25 a.m., giving students a sweet treat to boost their energy for class. Both senior and junior high students from the First Priority chapter participated in the prayer. 

Seventh grader Mariana Mathes attended the event with her brother, David Mathes, a freshman. “I thought it was a great experience, since First Priority in general is amazing because you get to meet people who share the same interest as you, as well as grow in your faith.” Mathes said. “Meeting at the pole and praying together was such an amazing way to start my day.”

Senior high First Priority holds their meetings Wednesday at lunch in Dr. Torres’s room, while junior high hosts their meetings Thursdays at lunch in Ms. Astudillo’s room. 

_{The 15 students and three teachers who joined in on National Day of Prayer formed a circle and were able to pray for their own intentions in addition to praying for a great school year. Some of these intentions included protection from natural disasters and safety on the road. (Photos/Ms. Angie Gamon)}

^{Leftover pastries were offered to students entering the school from walking from the church across the street, as well as to security guards helping command the early-morning traffic. (Photo/Emma Colarte Delgado)}