West Nassau High School’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes regroups as Warriors for Christ.
The Christian-based student group kicked off its new presence with prayer around the school’s flagpole Aug. 23.
“By relaunching Warriors for Christ under the banner of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, we wanted to do something that speaks to everybody,” said club sponsor Joshua McKinney. “It’s inclusive to everyone. Everybody’s invited – is the message we want to get out.”
McKinney is in his first year of teaching theatre at WNHS. Warriors for Christ meet in the drama room for student-led prayer and worship Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m.
Campus co-sponsors are Bea Mitchell, Alyson Gordon and Sir Davis.
“It’s a place for them to come and express their common beliefs,” McKinney said. “There’s no denominational divide here.”
Whether a student is Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Church of Christ, agnostic or atheist, all are welcome, McKinney said, adding, “We’re a service organization that will be involved in multiple and various activities.”
Junior Michelle Crulish has participated with FCA since sixth grade.
“We’re trying to reach out normally to athletes, but we’re also reaching out to non-athletes,” she said. “I’ve been in church my whole life. My dad, John, is youth pastor at Lannie Road Baptist Church.”
In addition to service projects, the group would like to bridge with students who participate in youth groups from their respective congregations.
Warriors for Christ President Darrian Wright began attending FCA meetings in 2016.
“I just fell in love with it and what it stood for,” the junior said. “You come here and expect positive things and receive positive things.”
Senior Johnvonte Jones likes the group’s diversity.
“It’s not just about certain people,” he said. “A lot of people come from different backgrounds and different situations. I like how it’s really not the same.”
Jones expressed excitement about the changes. He joined FCA when he was a freshman.
“I love it,” he said. “Specifically with the name change. It’s about people who need Jesus, who want Jesus and people who want to get involved.”
The Warriors for Christ also plan to gather at the flagpole before classes begin for the annual “See You at the Pole” national prayer event, which will be held Sept. 27.