Imagine a place where skaters, cowboys, preps and jocks all hangout in the same place at the same time, by choice. Stereotypes are checked at the door every Friday morning at 7 a.m. in the Little Theatre, where Youth Alive members are bound together by a common thread — Christianity. “Youth Alive helps us learn about God,” said Youth Alive co-leader senior Leslie DeBaldo. “It’s also a place where I can meet new people with the same faith. The best part is it’s their choice to be there so you know they want to be there.” “Students are finally starting to take pride in what they believe in,” said Youth Alive adviser Bruce Riley. “There is a diversity in students that attend Youth Alive, but they have at least one thing in common, their beliefs.” Youth Alive made its debut at Flathead in the early 1980s, but disappeared shortly after that. “FHS was the very first high school to have Youth Alive on campus,” said Youth Alive adviser Grady Bennett. “I know students are involved in church activities, but Youth Alive is on campus, which I think is also important.” About seven years ago Bennett reintroduced Youth Alive among Flathead’s students to give them an escape from day-to-day pressures. Times have changed, according to Bennett. When he was in school, about 12 years ago, the minority of the students were the ones who drank or used drugs. When he came back to FHS to teach, he realized the roles of students were reversed. The minority now are the students who do not drink or use other substances, said Bennett. Youth Alive may sound like just another club to some students, but to members Youth Alive is more than that. “It’s encouraging to pray and study and have fellowship in the morning before school,” said Youth Alive member senior Beau Johnston. “I have Miss Arthur to thank, because she was the one who inspired me to be in Youth Alive.” Youth Alive gives adviser Susan Arthur a chance to get to know the members and support them in their life decisions. “The kids that are involved in Youth Alive are desiring an honorable lifestyle,” said Arthur. “It helps them strengthen their faith and confirm the path they’re walking. I want to be there to support them.” |
