Palisade High School is home to a variety of sports, organizations, and clubs, allowing a safe space for everyone. So, what if a club could make a schoolwide impact though pizza? This week Paw Post highlights a fairly new group at Palisade, a Christian Bible study that meets once a week at lunch. Youth Alive, an organization originated through Assemblies of God, allows Christians to meet others of the same faith, discuss the Bible, and share the gospel around their schools. Our school’s chapter was organized in 2024 by Junior Azariah Matthies and former Palisade student Logan Gandy, leading Palisade students to Christ and creating a safe space for believers.
The club started out small, with few people attending. However, over the course of less than a year, the group has grown to over 25 students, filling the classroom with members of all grade levels and faith journeys. During the club meetings, pizza is offered and prayed over, preceding a short sermon and group discussions.
The group, now led by Matthies and junior Marilee Beauregard, has continued to expand. Matthies comments, “I have seen not only the amount of people grow, but people’s hearts grow, and that is the biggest change I would love to see. Even if it was just one person I was ministering to everyday, it would have been enough.” When asked what gave him the motivation to begin a club, he states, “It would have to be not only my youth pastor, but the desire for change in high schools around the district.”
Members of the club have noticed a visible change and shift in the Christian community at Palisade. Junior Dalton Mecouch, who has been attending since last October, reflected upon the changes between him and his friends after attending. “I think everyone has a better mindset about the day and are a lot nicer after it… I really like the community. I like to talk and eat food with all my friends too.”
Fellowship and finding the right group is important. No matter who you are or what your story is, you have a place and voice at Palisade High School.
