SEE YOU AT THE POLE — Local students who take part in the student-led club Fellowship of Christian Athletes met at their school’s flagpole prior to the start of the school day to pray. Participants prayed for their teachers, administrators, fellow students and their community. Area schools taking part in the event included, clockwise from top: Steubenville High School, with its largest turnout ever, at more than 250 students; Indian Creek High School, 80 students; Edison High School, 30 students; Harding Middle School, 75 students; and Toronto High School, 60 students. Brooke High School had 60 students participating. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Students across Jefferson County gathered before school this week for the annual See You at the Pole event, a nationwide, student-led prayer time held around school flagpoles.

Young people lifted up prayers for their schools, communities and for the nation in what organizers described as the largest turnout ever for the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes student club events.

At Steubenville High School, more than 250 students circled the flagpole, marking the school’s biggest See You at the Pole gathering to date.

Harding Middle School saw 75 students participate, while Indian Creek Middle School gathered 70 students.

Indian Creek High School had 80 students turn out, while Toronto High School reported 60 students attending the event.

Brooke High School saw 60 students participate and Edison High School had 30 students attend the morning prayer event.

Participants led in saying prayers for teachers, administrators, fellow classmates and national leaders, while asking for strength and guidance in their personal faith.

The gatherings were voluntary and organized and initiated by FCA student leaders at each school.

“This year’s turnout was truly inspiring,” stated FCA leader Bobbyjon Bauman. “To see so many students step forward before the start of their day to pray for their schools and for our country is a powerful reminder of the faith and leadership rising up in this generation.”

The annual See You at the Pole event continues to grow locally, bringing together students of all ages in a visible witness of unity, hope and prayerful commitment to their communities.