MATTAWA — It’s no secret that young people starting the school year face a lot of negative influences. Some folks in Mattawa plan to counter some of that negativity with prayer. 

“Last year, when we had a young woman pass away from fentanyl, it was decided that we would try and add a faith-based element to some of the stuff we did,” said Pam Thorsen, board secretary of the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce. “So we got together with parents in the gym after the first day of school after their open houses, and we prayed for a safe school year.” 

This is the second year that the South Grant County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Coalition of Christian Congregations to organize the event. Parents, students and community members will meet in the Wahluke High School gym to join in prayer with local clergy. Last year six or seven pastors led the assembly in asking God’s blessing on the students and their teachers for the year. 

“We are just gathering to pray for the students and the teachers and the community for their safety and their well-being,” Thorsen said. 

The assembly is non-sectarian, Thorsen said. 

“It doesn't matter if you're Baptist or Mormon or whatever,” she said. “If you believe in God and Jesus, you can play with us. Because our whole role as churches is to try to spread the word, to find something as a higher power, a better opportunity for you when times get tough.” 

There is no set roster for the ministers who come to pray, she said; it’s just whoever shows up. About 200 people came last year, Thorsen said.  

The event is set for 7 p.m., after students and parents have finished running the gauntlet of registrations and orientations that are a part of every district’s first day of school. Wahluke is fortunate in having a district that cooperates in this event, Thorsen said. 

“(We’re) focusing on the need, and the feeling that you get when you're in an environment where you can feel the power working,” Thorsen said. “To have something like this in a public school is not your norm, and I'm hoping it can start a trend.” 

    Pastors and spiritual leaders from many local congregations offer prayers for the safety and well-being of students and teachers at Wahluke schools last year.