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By Matthew Peaslee

For the third year in a row, a special prayer breakfast is planned for the graduating seniors of Ringgold High School. This year’s breakfast will be held Saturday, May 11, at 9:00AM at the Carrol Township Social Center.  Students are asked to arrive around 8:30 a.m.  The theme for the prayer breakfast is “faith over fear, victory over failure.”

“That's what were holding onto because the students need great encouragement and uplifting messages every day,” said one of the prayer breakfast organizers, Monongahela resident Joe Ravasio. 

The event has become a tradition for the community, serving as a guidepost for young people as they embark on the new challenges that await them in adult life.  Today’s kids are also dealing with numerous temptations that come with advances in technology. 

“Students today have been bombarded with constant negativity on the news and social media,” Ravasio said. “As adults, we have a great responsibility to help them navigate life.”

Ravasio will facilitate the event and the speakers include his wife, Millie, who will deliver a powerful message on how God created everyone to be special; Gen. Dave Papak, who will talk about leadership, integrity and righteousness; and Dave Sarkas, who discusses courage, brevity and never giving up.  Pastor Jude Urso of Elrama Community Church will deliver opening and closing prayers.

With so many voices in kids’ heads, Ravasio is aware that many students may have never heard the word of God before, so this breakfast is a way to open doors. It can also be a refresher course for those who may already have a religious background.

“Our mission is to help them to be strong in God's word,” Ravasio said. “If we can get them to first base with the blessing of God's word, those students that come from a faith-based family already, we can get them to second base and further and help them become great, strong leaders. so that they can help each other and be a blessing to their families and peer group.”

All students attending the prayer breakfast will receive a Bible and a copy of the United States Constitution, courtesy of Lone Pine Construction.

The breakfast is sponsored by Dipaola Quality Climate Control and JED Heating and Cooling.

Carroll Township Chief of Police Paul Brand and police officers from the surrounding communities will be on hand for discussions, and to present every girl with a red rose.

“It’s a sign of respect because we are to respect our officers,” Ravasio said. “And our officers respect the people they serve.”

The event is a great way for students to reflect on the past school year, celebrate the upcoming summer vacation and prepare for what lies ahead.  More importantly, it’s an opportunity for adults to help send the kids down the right path as they enter their formidable years.

“If we plant seeds, the Holy Spirit will do the rest,” Ravasio said. 

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