Just as the sun started to rise on September 28th, students, faculty, and community members met at the Shanksville-Stonycreek flag pole and shared a moment of prayer for the nation wide event, “See You At The Pole.”

Every school year students nationwide come together one morning for “See You at the Pole” for a time of reflection and prayer for their schools, country, and armed forces.

This event started in 1900 as a grassroots movement with 10 students coming together to pray for their school, and now millions of students get together every year to participate in this event.

The Shanksville YoungLife Chapter and the YoungLife leaders led the get-together and provided hot chocolate, coffee, and donuts following the prayer time. Every student and faculty member from the Shanksville School was invited.

Each year there is a different theme and bible verse the event is based on. This year, the theme was “We Cry Out” and reflected on Pslam 24:3-6 “A generation seeking Him!” a verse from the bible.

There was a small turnout for this years “See You at the Pole”, but it included students, faculty and even the students’ parents.

The event started out with the YoungLife leader Jess Wilt explaining the reason for this time and thanking those that came to participate.

Immediately after Mrs. Wilt addressed the group, the participants held each other's hands, closed their eyes, and began a chain prayer around the circle.

After the prayer the service concluded with the group singing “Build Your Kingdom Here” by the band Rend Collective, Shanksville Sophomore, Madison Trent accompanied the song with her ukulele.

“It was nice to gather with people who share my faith. It’s eye opening to see how many people are there to pray about our family and friends.” said Lynne Brewer

“I really liked seeing a different side of teachers. I don’t normally see that side of teachers in the classroom. I encourage people to come because being hand in hand with some of the teachers makes you feel connected to those you wouldn’t normally be connected too in school.” stated Angie Zolla

The small group of students, faculty and parents at the Shanksville High School showed their concern through the power of prayer the morning of September 28th. Together they cried out for strength and wisdom for their school, nation, and armed forces.