The morning stillness was broken by song at 7:00 a.m. as 10 Ron Jackson students lifted their voices and sang “Lord, I lift Your Name on High” to their peers and 20 members of staff who chose to join them.  It was the prelude to a beautiful program that included a Scripture reading as well as prayers written by the students for their friends, families, school and our nation.

On Wednesday, September 25th, millions of students gathered around their school flagpoles to participate in the annual See You at the Pole event. This event was started in 1990 as a grass-roots movement to bless communities and exercise the 1st amendment right to freedom of religion.  The events are student initiated, organized and led. One student organizer’s reaction: “I loved it.  People joined us and everyone was feeling connected.”

For the third year in a row, Ron Jackson students participated in this global day of prayer.  In addition to student-led prayer and reading of the Bible, members of Mrs. Jeannie Blackstock’s choir performed two songs, using sign language to further interpret “God Bless the USA.”

Student organizers had this to say about the event:  “I feel really good about this.  I prayed for the families.  I want them to know they are not alone, there is a God!”  Another student stated: “Even though we may not be physically free, we have a free heart and mind when we put God first.”

Pictured above:  Students and staff gather around the Ron Jackson flagpole to share a moment of prayer and song during the annual See You at the Pole activities.

Please contact the Community Relations Office at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Facility at 325-641-4240 or 325-642-4241 if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.