WATERLOO - Each fall, students across the nation gather at school flagpoles to pray.

Shell Mauer, a freshman at West High School, mixed up the date and showed up one week early. But she found teens praying all the same.

For two years, an informal group of West High students, known as the Yada Crew, has made a habit of meeting every Wednesday morning for prayer and Bible study before school. Students also briefly pray at lockers before school, five days a week.

Mauer, 15, is now a familiar face at Yada Crew. She hopes the quiet - yet public - display of faith communicates that Christianity can be real, alive and relevant.

"We want to show that there still are children out there, like teens out there fighting for God and loving God," Mauer said. "God is really the only way for life."

They do it even if the sight of teens rising a little earlier to pour over an ancient book earns the occasional weird look. And even if urging one another to be kind, turn the other cheek and walk the straight and narrow is unpopular.

"We are spending our Wednesday mornings for a reason," said sophomore Danny Lewis, who helps lead Yada Crew. " … And in a way, ruining our reputations."

Lewis and Mauer welcome questions from peers - that's kind of the point - even if some inquiries are skeptical:

Do you think you are better than me?

Is prayer at school legal?

The answers, by the way, are 'no' and 'yes,' respectively.

Mauer likes to explain how her faith has helped her battle depression and avoid the party scene and gang activity. For Mauer, Jesus gave her a purpose.

"There is always someone there always loving you and caring for you," Mauer said. "You were born because you have a reason for being there."

Topics of prayer include requests for cool tempers and fewer fights at West, family situations and senior-itis.

"We are able to tell them we are praying for them, and it makes them feel a little bit better," Lewis said.

The annual See You at the Pole movement inspired West High junior Cody McNamar to get organized at West.

"We started out with a core of, like, eight people," McNamar said. "For awhile, for our first year, we had as many as 40 people showing up."

On a recent Wednesday, almost 20 stand on the lawn sharing Bibles. McNamar encouraged peers to let actions back up the Christian label. Words are easy, he said. Having a good attitude, respecting authority and restraining anger - well, those character traits are tough for anyone, McNamar said.

Dan Payne, a math teacher at West High, respects the initiative demonstrated by teens. Taking a public stand for convictions is tough because it brings added scrutiny by peers, Payne said.

"There is some definite growth among the group and maturity," Payne said. "It's been very interesting to watch different ones take leadership."

Legal experts, including the ACLU, maintain the Constitution is clear. Individual students may pray as long as the activity does not disrupt classroom instruction and they do not try to force others to join in.

Bible clubs? Also OK, so long as the meeting is student-led, occurs after hours and other groups are allowed the same privileges.

Lewis said morning meetings have changed him, too.

"It helps me be able to get through my day," Lewis said. "I've got a kickoff that inspires me."

The Yada Crew will continue to meet at West High School on Wednesdays during the summer. Teens from other high schools are encouraged to participate. Students will meet outside by the parking lot at 10 a.m. for Bible study and prayer. Brunch will follow.

Contact Karen Heinselman at 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.