Every Wednesday during lunch in room 200, Sierra Vista High School students gather to grow their faith and build new friendships. The student-initiated and run club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), provides a welcoming space with food, fellowship, and meaningful conversations.
Eight key members lead weekly huddles where they share testimonies and teach memorable faith lessons. The club’s advisor, Ms. Kara Ness, shared, “The two returners, Derek M and Derek Q, really stepped up and conducted interviews to fill the student leadership board.” The eight speakers include Mariah Jones (12), Leila Kawamura (12), Alexis Meza (10), Kevin McIntosh (10), Derek Macaalay (12), Abigail Serra (10), Christian Seifu (12), and Derek Quenneville (11). The speakers hope to continue bringing students closer to Jesus and helping them build real friendships; they also make sure to value every student and make sure they can talk to someone. One of FCA’s leaders, Derek Macaalay (12), shared, “We are at a time where there is a lot of division in the world and we want this club to be a place where everyone can be peaceful.”
Additionally, Ms. Ness expresses, “We are so fortunate to have our church partner, The Crossing, which gives us a budget for pizza every week because they feel it’s so important to invest spiritually into students.” The Crossing Church representative for FCA, David Fernandez, picks up the pizza each week and attends the huddles. Fernandez also coordinates FCA’s speakers and ensures they have everything needed to spread their message. Ms. Ness noted, “It’s inspiring to witness these high school students sharing their faith so openly with their peers.”
FCA does not require a fee and invites anyone willing to join, even for just one huddle. The club welcomes and values all students regardless if they play a sport. Ms. Ness comments, “We want to keep building a strong, loving community where students feel supported and encouraged. We also hope to invite and reach as many students as possible so that more people can experience God’s love.”
