SYATP 2021

With so much negativity in the world, it’s sometimes hard to see the good. If it’s not news about the pandemic or news about unrest in the world, or simple division and discord right here in our own nation, it’s about the latest TicTock trend showing students in their worst light. However, today was a different day, and as the rains ceased and the sun crept out to shine, it shed its light on students who gathered around the flagpole at LCCTC this morning to observe the annual See You at the Pole event.

SYATP is a yearly student-led prayer rally where students meet at the flagpole with other believers. They are able to gather together and to bow their heads in prayer together for their friends, their families, their teachers, their schools, and their nation. Students at LCCTC also included prayers for healthcare workers and for the servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan.

For many who gathered across the nation, SYATP is a way for students to express themselves with others who won’t judge and who will accept them as a brother or sister.

“It was a nice way to start the day,” states William Haeberle (NC), a junior studying Electrical Occupations. “I feel blessed to live in a country and to attend a school where so many feel comfortable enough to pray — to have others pray for and with me.”

“I didn’t know many others who would be there,” states Health Assistant junior Amiyah Burcham (NC). “My friend invited me to come along this morning. I didn’t really know what it was about at first, but it was nice to be with others. It was a good way to start the day.”

Makaela Koziol (NHS), a junior health assistant student states, “I sort of felt a little ‘bla’ this morning, but walking out to the flag pole made my day feel better. It felt good to good meet with others from different friend groups. Even though we didn’t really know each other, we were all able to reach a common goal in a common way.”

“There has been a trend of negativity in social media,” reflects Halie Diffenbacher (MHS), senior studying Health Assistance. “Today, we had the opportunity to change this. As Mr. Ovial and Mr. Rich would say, ‘Be the change we wish to see in our world.’ It was good to be a force for good, and I pray we continue that trend.”

SYATP is a nationwide event that should serve as a starting point for future student supports, and just looking around at those who were able to stand around the circle this morning, students now know who will stand there beside them on the other 364 days of the year.