The student body met in the quad for See You at the Pole (SYATP) at 7 a.m., Sept. 25. Students across the nation woke up earlier for a national day of prayer; an annual day where students gather around the flag poll and pray for a variety of subjects such as our nation, school and each other.

SYATP originally began in 1990, where a small group of students gathered together to pray. Since 2005 SYATP has expanded to over 2 million participants in all regions of the nation. SYATP is now considered a national event, which is always the fourth week in September.

The annual gathering is lead by students on the campus. The student leadership class and worship team were the groups that lead FC’s SYATP with the help of student leadership advisor, Robert Foshee.

The morning started off with three worship songs, “How He Loves”, “Let it Rain” and “No Place I’d Rather Be”. Afterwards, Foshee opened in prayer followed by any students who wanted to pray. Later, the students separated into smaller groups where every five minutes the groups were given a new subject to pray about.

Foshee views SYATP as a great motivation for not only the students of FC but the nation as a whole. He sees it as a reminder for everybody the fellowship they can have with each other.

“I think it’s an awesome way to connect believers around the state, country and world,” Foshee said. “It’s a great demonstration of standing together for the school. It’s a reminder of where we come from and where we’re going. Others can see who’s supporting them in prayer and what God does for them and the grace he has for them.”

First time attendee Amber Wilson, ’17, enjoyed the event and the camaraderie she formed with her peers. She appreciates the fact that the entire nation participates in this event, so it gives public schools the chance to come together and pray.

“I had never gone to anything like that before,” Wilson said. “I thought it was neat how we could all get together and pray, even though we didn’t have a pole it was nice. Nobody was forced to go so everybody had a choice and it was great to see the turnout. In public schools, when they have a certain day set aside to get together and pray it’s cool to see who actually goes.”

Junior Jonathan Brushwood attended SYATP and found it as a great way to get to know new people. Brushwood was happy to be able to pray with others about not only personal needs but the needs of the school, city, state and nation.

“I enjoy getting together with other classmates and peers, not just in chapel but all together to pray in a big group as well as small groups,” Brushwood said. “It’s great to have a day where we can pray about anything that is going on in the world. It’s been a positive thing because you get together with some people you don’t even know and get to know more about them.”

Having attended the event before, Andrew Moore, ’16, wanted to be a part of the day again. The time of worship and prayer in small groups made it very enjoyable for Moore.

“I really liked SYATP, it was good,” Moore said. “I liked the worship at the beginning and the small groups. I’ve gone before so I was comfortable with coming back. It’s a great way for all the Christians from all the different schools to connect and find more brothers and sisters in Christ.

Madison Seib, ’15, was very excited by the gathering of students. She thought the event this year was better than past due to the improvements of worship time and small group meetings.

“I actually really enjoyed it,” Seib said. “It was probably the best year so far. This year you could hear the music better and I enjoyed my small group time. We really got deep into meaningful stuff and it inspired me. This day brings people who love Christ in public schools together and it’s really motivating.”

For more features, read the Sept. 24 article, Beach trip activities create memories, bond students.