It all started three years ago with five First Priority members gathering in room D115 to hear the word of God. Now, the numbers have quintupled, ushering the First Priority team to relocate to a bigger room. After being joined by a mentor, building a team of leaders, and using different platforms to reach out to different students on campus, First Priority has gone above and beyond to preach the teachings of the gospel.
Back in 2022, Senior Co-President Hannah Flores recalls having, “a new sponsor, new mentor, and almost no returning members.” Now, the clubs have had invite weeks with almost 150+ attendees, an entire student leadership team, and an inspiring community of members. “It’s been amazing to see the club grow over the past four years,” Flores emphasizes.
Building a community of Christians at Pines Charter has given students a place where they will not be judged but included in the bible teachings and testimonies that are shared once every Wednesday. Student-led lessons have not only allowed high schoolers to practice their leadership but have encouraged them to share stories that will inspire others to do the same.
Invite week, which happens once every month, has been especially remarkable in attendance. Students join together in the case study room to listen to a new special guest speaker, have the opportunity to eat pizza, and socialize with the rest of the students.
“At our first Invite Week, we welcomed around 50 students. Since then, attendance during Invite Weeks has grown by as much as 275%, having up to 150 students gathered together at once to hear about Jesus,” recalls First Priority mentor Adriel Gonzalez. The numbers have been outstanding and have only motivated the club’s leadership to continue inviting students and get an opportunity to receive a special message about faith.
“I hope to leave a legacy of encouraging others to see the hope God brings to a student’s life and be an example of what it’s like to be saved by the Lord,” shares Senior Co-President Ava Mendez.
As the seniors who have worked hard the past three years prepare to begin their new journey at college, they feel confident in the growth the club has had thanks to their determination. “Now, we hope next year’s leadership team can continue to expand the club, bring fresh ideas and new perspectives, and make our chapter even better than before,” concludes Flores.
It has been an incredible journey for the club who now has over 400 followers on Instagram and is seeing more and more students joining the weekly meetings held in the dance and case study room. However, the efforts don’t stop there. First Priority will keep preaching the gospel and connecting students to their local churches in hopes they will grow in their faith.
Their mission will continue to be to take the hope of Christ to every student.
