Hundreds of O.C. Students to Gather in Prayer

Hundreds of Orange County students are expected to participate in a worldwide event this morning called “See You at the Pole,” where students pray for teachers, peers and a prosperous school year.

Last year, more than 2.5 million students throughout the United States and 20 other nations gathered at campus flagpoles for the annual event, which is sponsored by the San Diego-based National Network of Youth Ministry. The organization represents youth ministries of 55 denominations and promotes the annual event.

Locally, organizers estimate that more than a dozen schools in Orange County, public and private, will join the event, including Los Alamitos High School, where about 200 students will meet at the campus flagpole at about 7 a.m.

Typically, students pray for an end to violence and drug use in schools.

Students also are encouraged to ask for blessings and send prayers of strength and encouragement.

“I think it’s fine,” said Carol Hart, principal of Los Alamitos High School. “The event helps unite the students in a spiritual way.”

According to federal guidelines, students have the constitutional right to engage in individual or group prayer, as long as it is not disruptive and does not impose on others’ religious beliefs.

“See you at the Pole” began in Dallas six years ago when a group of students gathered spontaneously to pray. By 1991, the student-organized event had become a nationwide observance at high schools, and it has since grown to include elementary and middle schools and foreign institutions.

Organizers view the gatherings as a positive way for students to cope with today’s problems.

“This is not a protest, it’s not a demonstration,” said Doug Clark, director of field ministries for the National Network of Youth Ministry. “These students want to pray for their campuses. I think they recognize the problems they are dealing with are spiritual.”

Schools in Orange, Fullerton, Placentia and Yorba Linda are expected to participate in the event as well.