Peace River high school holds its own youth rally

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By SANGIE ZAITSOFF
Special to the WCR
Peace River

The event was enjoyed by seven schools in the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, and was held for Grades 5 through 8 on Oct. 4, and Grades 9 through 12 on Oct. 5.

The guest speaker was Steve Angrisano of Littleton, Colo.

He is a musician, husband, father and enthusiastic youth minister in Littleton, and does most of his work with the young people of his parish.

The two-day event featured Steve presenting different ways to learn about and enjoy our faith. He used many different ways to teach us about life, including sharing with us some of his own life experiences.

One experience was how the Columbine shootings in his community touched his life deeply, as well as the lives of those around him.

It allowed him to appreciate his faith even more, and he now takes what he learned from that tragic experience and positively teaches others. Steve also played guitar, sang songs, and even taught us actions so everyone could participate.

I had the chance to speak with our superintendent Wayne Doll at the two-day rally. Doll thought that Steve did a good job of relating real life to what the students themselves see on the news and talk about in school.

Doll also enjoyed the way that Steve changed the mood of the group on a regular basis; from being quiet and very solemn to getting everyone on their feet and moving around.

He felt that this experience was one that the students will remember the rest of their lives.

The day not only consisted of music from Angrisano, but a school musical group called Soul Jam entertained the students as well, upon their arrival as well as during lunchtime.

The group featured vocalists and instrumentalists, both teachers and students, all from Glenmary School. There was also the Glenmary Senior High Band that performed for the students.

When I spoke to some students who attended the rally, as well as read surveys about the day, the reactions from the students and teachers were incredibly positive. All who attended it seemed to really enjoy some aspect of the day, and came out feeling rejuvenated and more educated about their faith.

The students enjoyed being involved with one another as well as listening to what Steve had to share about faith in their everyday lives. Those asked agreed that this event should be an annual activity.

I also spoke with Angrisano after the rally, and he thought the response from the students and teachers was great. He said it was terrific that people took the time to put on such an event, and he pointed out that it was very well organized.

He enjoyed speaking to the students as a whole, as well as talking to them individually during breaks and lunchtime. Steve also held evening sessions that dealt with Getting Involved with your Parish Community on Oct. 4 and 5.

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