MPR: See You at the Flagpole

See You at the Flagpole
By Tim Pugmire
September 15, 1999

Students in Minnesota and throughout the nation gathered early this morning around the flagpoles at their schools to proclaim their religious faith. The student-led prayer service, known as "See You at the Pole," began in Texas in 1990 and has grown every year. Students say they feel a growing need these days to talk about God, even at school.

WITH THE SUN BARELY ABOVE the horizon, some 50 students stand in a circle around the flagpole at Woodbury High School. They sing, read from the New Testament and pray together until it's time for class. Organizers Bonnie Youngquist and Toni McLaren, both seniors, say they've attended the event for several years.

Youngquist: There are so many things harder than this. And this is just a small step of faith to show our friends and people we don't know that we believe in God.
McLaren: It's a good opportunity to pray for our campus, our government and our authority. So, it's wonderful to be here.

Prayer is not a sanctioned activity at public schools during the regular school day. But these student-organized, before-school gatherings are permissible. U.S. Education Secretary Richard Riley has called the event a legal and appropriate form of religious expression on school grounds.

The Woodbury students say they're proud to be Christians and want to sent an example for others. Stephanie Aasen says she's grown more comfortable talking about religion at school.

Aasen: I know in class kids come out and they admit that you know God is part of their life. And, you know, back in elementary, junior high and my sophomore year in high school, it was really hard for people to even say that in class without being judged.

For More Information
See the "See You at the Pole" Web Site.

The scene in Woodbury was repeated at public high schools and middle schools throughout the country. Members of a Christian youth group in Burleson, Texas, started "See You At the Pole" nine years ago as a way to pray for their school and friends. Organizers say more than three million students nationwide participated last year. Many observers say the event reflects a growing evangelical Christian movement among today's teens.

Buschow: They have a desire for something that is really real. A desire for something that is meaningful to them.

Dan Buschow is director of Allies Ministries, a Twin Cities Christian youth organization, and a big supporter of "See You At the Pole." He says religious faith is providing hope and answers to kids, many of whom remain confused over last spring's deaths at Columbine High School, and other school tragedies.

Buschow: These kids, this generation of young people, I mean they've been through a lot. They've seen a lot. They've seen people in schools like the ones they attend go to school in the morning and not come home in the evening. They've seen kids that have been shot, martyred.

Buschow says "See You At the Pole" promotes unity, not a political agenda. He says students show up to share their common beliefs and send a positive message to their school.

At Woodbury High, organizers say they've had a similar turnout the last two years. They're hoping for a bigger gathering next year. Senior Eric Flaa says it's not easy taking a public stand for your beliefs, but it's something he wants to do.

Flaa: It can be difficult, but it's a lot easier when you a lot of friends and a lot of people like here around. There's sometimes you might hear some words, some expletives, people just trying to tear you down, but it's just something you have to go through. And if you do go through that, you're made stronger.

Flaa wants to do more to share his faith among his classmates. He's organizing a student prayer group that will meet at the high school once a week before classes.

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