Diversity runs deep in this school, whether it be culture, background, or religion. Emma Kegerreis (12) practices Christianity, a widespread religion that has impacted governments and societies. She explains Christianity as broad with many different kinds of practices, but the basics are “being a good person and trying to live by how Jesus lived and do what he would do.”

For Kegerreis, her way of practicing her religion is by studying the Bible and attending church when she can. At the back of her mind, she thinks of ways to make someone smile every day and thinks of what she can do to be a better person than yesterday. She thinks of how she can be more like Christ. These thoughts do not consume her, but they are important to her and how she lives her life. Kegerreis says, “for me, that’s just kind of God in the back of my mind saying, ‘hey, make sure you’re being a good person today.’”

Since childhood, Kegerreis has been a member of the Christian religion. When she was younger, she attended a Lutheran church, which she says has more traditional services than compared to the Methodist church her family now attends. While the Methodist church has traditional services, Kegerreis says the church holds services “where they tie the lessons into what is happening in society today,” Kegerreis says. “It really just depends on where you go. But I know a lot of churches are kind of transitioning from that traditional service to more of a contemporary service for the younger group.”

Activities for younger groups are common in many churches. Kegerreis has spent hours and experienced life altering things in one of these youth groups. She said, “I went almost every Sunday and got to hang out with other Christian kids. And we’d just talk and hang out and play games and talk about our faith.” Besides youth groups, there are also other activities youths can participate in, such as choir and a confirmation class, which Kegerreis says, “really affirmed my faith.”

One controversial, and infamous debate is Christianity vs. science. Kegerreis’ thoughts and words hold much insight and open-mindedness to the whole ordeal. She says, “It depends on who you ask. For me, I believe in what Christianity teaches, but I also believe in evolution and science because both have facts, whether it’s from science or scripture class. I think it’s hard to know, because none of us were there… I think it’s just taking everybody’s opinion with a grain of salt and knowing that you don’t have to agree with them, but we should all be respectful of what everybody else thinks.”

Kegerreis also has a message for those who feel distant or feel they are falling from their religion. She said to stay true “and believe what you choose to believe. But know there is always a home for you in your religion… If you feel there is a home for you, then there’s a home for you. Always stay true to yourself and your beliefs. And if those shift, then they shift, but try to stay as true as you can.”