Band, sports teams, Scholars Bowl, a book club and much more – there are many different ways to get connected with people throughout De Soto High School. Fellowship of Christian Athletes happens to be one of these ways.
“FCA helps build relationships that I wouldn’t have if I wasn’t involved in it. You get a lot of close friendships with people who are interested in Jesus,” sophomore Mackenzie Smith said.
FCA is a group of students who meet before school to join in fellowship.
“At FCA, we usually sing a few songs. Someone will give a short message and then we break off into smaller groups and talk about discussion questions,” senior Meredith Wolfe said.
According to students involved, FCA has built a safe, loving community and has impacted the lives of those involved.
“Eighth grade was the first time I ever went to one. After that, I started leading it [in middle school]. It’s important to get closer to your faith and what you believe in,” sophomore Luke Hammontree said.
FCA meets in the Black Box theater the morning of the last school day of the week.
While the morning meetings may deter some students from joining, Hammontree says it is not an issue.
“It’s not that much earlier than you have to get up anyways. I still get up at the same time every day no matter if I have FCA or not,” Hammontree said.
Any student can join FCA, regardelss of his or her religious beliefs.
“It’s a great opportunity to get together with people who have similar views as you. It’s really nice to have that family and have a connection,” Wolfe said.
Students believe FCA should be open and welcoming to everyone and that no one should be afraid to join.
“You can just come as you are and be yourself,” Smith said. “Probably one of your friends are there or someone that you know. It’s a really laid back environment. It’s really friendly.”
FCA is important to many students at DHS for different reasons.
“I think it’s really important to build a community and surround yourself with [people who have] similar views as you. It’s nice to just have that family and then you can bring your beliefs into the school and surround yourself with those people,” Wolfe said.
Plus, food is provided at every meeting.
To sum it up, “there’s donuts, and you learn about God,” Hammontree said.