They gathered at the flagpole in front of their school to pray for their families, friends, schools, churches and communities.

About 60 people came together this morning at Tamaqua Area High School, at which time they branched out and formed circles for prayer during the annual See You at the Pole event.Sophomore Antonetta Gerace, who along with fellow sophomore Becca Ansbach led those who gathered in prayer, said the event continues to grow each year."It's showing true courage by going out of your comfort zone," Antonetta said.Among those who participated with the students were parents, pastors, teachers and school board members.The Rev. Ed Noftz, of New Life Assembly of God in Tamaqua, said the emphasis of the event is to pray for the school, teachers and faculty, among others."We have Christian students gather together and make a stand for their faith," Noftz said. "Adults show their support for the students to let them know we're here for them to encourage them in their faith that we're standing with them."Paul Nemeth, director of the Tamaqua Youth Ministries, said he believes the level of attendance was about right on average.However, Nemeth said, "I wish there would be more youth that would show their faith.""The kids in our youth group kind of take it and run it," Nemeth said. "We've been doing this for about nine years."Nemeth said the group meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Bethany Church in Tamaqua.See You at the Pole is an annual gathering of Christian students at a flagpole in front of their school for prayer. The American See You at the Pole event occurs each year at 7 a.m. on Sept. 23. Lehighton students also participated in the event at their school.The event began in the United States in 1990.