U.S. Education Secretary Richard Riley has called the event a legal and appropriate form of religious expression on school grounds. The Woodbury students say they're proud to be Christians and want to sent an example for others. Stephanie Aasen says she's grown more comfortable talking about religion at school. And, you know, back in elementary, junior high and my sophomore year in high school, it was really hard for people to even say that in class without being judged. The scene in Woodbury was repeated at public high schools and middle schools throughout the country.
Organizers say more than three million students nationwide participated last year.
Many observers say the event reflects a growing evangelical Christian movement among today's teens. A desire for something that is meaningful to them. He says religious faith is providing hope and answers to kids, many of whom remain confused over last spring's deaths at Columbine High School, and other school tragedies. They've seen a lot. They've seen people in schools like the ones they attend go to school in the morning and not come home in the evening.