High Schoolers Meet Daily for Early Morning Scripture Study

Written by Susan Swann

Four Years of Waking Up at 5:30 am?

That's what these three West Forsyth High school seniors did every weekday morning for four years to attend a 6 a.m. religious education program called seminary, offered by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to students of all faiths.

In seminary, students and their teachers meet each weekday during the school year to study scripture, like the Old and New Testament in the Bible.

Tyler Norr, the Georgia State high school pole vaulting champion, was one of those graduates of the seminary program. Tyler said, "Early morning seminary was a great way to begin my day. Studying about Jesus Christ gave me peace and calm. My teachers, Miles and Chelsey Heidorn, woke up my mind and kept me engaged. I also liked hanging out with friends." Then he smiled. "Eating those deep fried Oreos we sometimes had for breakfast was good too."

After graduating from high school Tyler will attend college at Utah Valley University where he plans to be a walk-on for the pole vaulting team.

Another student in the same seminary class, Natalie Butler participated in Color Guard and mock trial, winning the best witness award twice. She said that while it wasn't easy getting up that early, it was worth it. "I came to know my Savior Jesus Christ, and I loved my teachers, who taught us in their home. I could feel the love there, and they made learning the scriptures fun. One time we even had a game show," she grinned.

"We did have to spend part of the year learning our lessons on Zoom because of Covid, instead of in person. I was so happy when all seventeen of us students could be back together in person with our teachers." After graduating from high school, Natalie will attend college at BYU Idaho, majoring in history.

James Loveland, also a seminary graduate, sang in several West Forsyth musicals, staring as Rapunzel's Prince in the production, 'Into the Woods.' One of his favorite songs to sing is 'Come Unto Christ.' James will also be attending Utah Valley University, studying Business and Film Production.

Congratulations to all seminary graduates!