“I get to stand in front of you guys with the courage and boldness that God has given me,” Luke Griego, a youth leader at Keystone church, said. “I get to testify of God’s love and how he pursued me. I hope that you realize that he wants a relationship with you today. Don’t postpone it.”
Griego is one of many leaders involved in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a religious organization at Carroll Senior High. These leaders address students during Thursday meetings in the main gym, with the goal of strengthening student’s relationships with God. This community aims to make a difference in the lives of anyone who is willing to attend.
Senior Avery Orr, president of the organization, has been running FCA since sophomore year. She hopes to see the community continue to grow even after she graduates.
“Originally, it was started as something for athletes,” Orr said. “It was fully run by coaches. But over the years, it’s become something that’s run by students fully, and for anyone who’s interested.”
The average turnout for an FCA gathering is upwards of 50 students.
“It’s a super fun community,” Orr said. “It’s going to point you in the right direction. A lot of groups are going to point you in different directions, but this one will bring you closer to God.”
FCA is currently only available at the Senior High, but they encourage high school students to participate as well.
“I have been running FCA since my junior year,” Orr said. “I plan our speakers for the week, and get the food for our meetings. It’s really important to find speakers that are welcoming and try to connect with the students, because that’s what it’s all about, connection within a good community.”
Orr makes an effort to get guest speakers from many different churches around the area to keep FCA inclusive.
“The FCA community is so special because it is a combination of so many different types of people at school coming together to engage and share their faith,” senior Candler Vincent, an FCA leader said. “It gives people a chance to learn, grow, and share their faith with those around them at school.”
This program is focused on the well-being of students and is open to anyone, not just Carroll athletes. Those interested can attend meetings during lunch in the main gym on Thursdays, or contact Avery Orr with any questions.
“This program is so rewarding because you get the opportunity to watch your peers strengthen their faith and grow closer together,” junior Reese Beall, another leader in the program, said. “Our mission is to include everyone, so they have a community to be a part of.”
