Students Observe National Day Of Prayer

By Tanjua Damon

With the country in mourning over the lives that were lost in the September 11 terrorist attacks, Newtown students felt it was important to participate in a National Day of Prayer last week. Several Newtown High and Newtown Middle School students gathered around their school flagpoles in observance of the day.

The students gathered in prayer for safety in their community and across the nation before the school bell rang September 19.

Many students felt the National Day of Prayer would allow them to show their faith in God and possibly help others know Him too.

“To show everybody and get them to know God,” was the reason Christie Attanasio gave for participating in the middle school ceremony. “He’s the main part of life. People should get involved, go to church and learn more about Him.”

Scott Suhoza was grateful for the opportunity to show God how much he cares for Him and is thankful for what He does for him.

“I just wanted to praise God because God is just everything to me. He’s the one who can save you,” Scott said. “He’s just the best. I can come to Him anytime I’m in need and open up to Him.”

Claire Ober hoped the National Day of Prayer would show people that they can trust and have faith in the Lord during this emotional and sensitive time in the country.

“We really have to trust in God to get over this. It’s all in God’s plan and he can take care of it,” Claire said. “ I think it’s good we did this today because of this past week. This is a special day.”

Claire Nowicki, who attends Walnut Tree Community Church, helped the middle schoolers organize the National Day of Prayer at the middle school. She was happy to see about 30 students at the morning prayer.

“I just remember back in middle school. It’s the hardest time in life,” Miss Nowicki said. “Just to see them open up like this and invite their friends is totally awesome.”

The morning prayer also gave the middle school students a sense of unity a chance to see others who have faith in God helping to build new friendships.

“The unity is a huge concept,” Miss Nowicki said. “It’s so unified to be here walking around school. It can be so lonely.”

The students prayed one more time for safer times, respect, and kindness to others before heading to start the school day.