Prayer unites community before start of school year

BLYTHEVILLE Ark. (KAIT) - Many people are anxious for classes to start back, but one community came together this past weekend to pray for their school students and staff.

Between 100 to 150 people, including students of all ages and school staff, formed a prayer circle outside the Blytheville Public Schools Administration building.

In addition to praying, teachers and students brought their families to meet each other and make connections.

The prayer circle was aimed at bringing the community together to spread joyfulness and faith before a new school year begins.

“I truly believe there is power in togetherness,” said Nicole Eskin.

Melisa Logan, human resource director for the school district, agreed.

“We are one community, with one mission and one goal, and that’s to make sure our children receive a phenomenal education,” said Logan.

Morning Star Baptist Pastor Fredrick Clay helped lead the prayers. He said receiving a quality education is one of the key ingredients in shaping the youth of Blytheville.

“We want our children to have the best education and to stay focused, and to have the best teachers and the best staff,” he said. “We just wanted everything the best thing for them.”

Clay said getting more young students into a church and teaching them the power of faith tends to keep them out of trouble.

“Through Christ, we can do all things,” said Logan. “It gives us a renewed mind and a renewed spirit and gives us the power to go forward.

Blytheville’s new superintendent Dr. Veronica Perkins was on a business trip to Little Rock. But that didn’t stop her from attending via Facetime.

Copyright 2022 KAIT. All rights reserved.