STUDENTS PRAY AT CENTRAL

About 75 students gathered on the front lawn of Cape Girardeau Central High School before classes began Wednesday morning.

Not exactly a pep rally. They came to pray.

The students joined with thousands of other students nationwide to assemble at their school flag poles at 7 a.m. to pray for their schools, fellow students, faculty and nation.

"See You at the Pole" has become an annual student demonstration of the constitutional right of students to initiate prayer on school property during non-school hours.

"It's like a nationwide prayer meeting," said Bill Thorpe, one of the students present.

"Youth leaders learned about it and passed it on to us, and we spread the word around.

"It was held last year, but the students were not allowed to have it on the school grounds. We're pleased with the attendance."

Betsy Martin was there too.

"It's also an opportunity to meet other Christian people who you don't have in your classes," Martin said.

"It's good to know they are there to support you if you're having a hard time, because they are your sisters and brothers in Christ."

Another student participating was Scott Davis.

"A few faculty members showed up, but it was the students that put this together," Davis said.

"We had some who got up and prayed, led a couple of songs and read some scripture.

"Hopefully we can keep the faith and keep on the right path so we're always heading toward God."