When a 14-year-old New York high school freshman, was stopped from starting a Christian student club at her school because it was deemed “religious” and “not generic enough,” she received a flood of support from students all over the state and soon Wappingers Falls’ Ketcham High School, in upstate New York, reversed their decision in her favor.
Daniela Barca, 14-years-old, said she wanted to start the club because “sometimes it feels like it’s just me” as a young Christ follower. She received support from “Fox & Friends” co-host Pete Hegseth, who told her, “Daniela, you don’t know it, but you’re a culture warrior and you’re in ninth grade and it’s awesome! Thank you so much for standing up for your beliefs.”
Daniela Barca was flooded with encouraging notes and letters not only from friends on campus, but Students Standing Strong (S3) members let her know that she’s not the only one. Some messages read, “Perhaps you were created for a time such as this. Esther 4:14” and “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young…” Another wrote, “Dear Daniela, I hope that you know that you are not alone and that we’re all praying for you.”
The student-led club encourages young believers to stand up for their faith. They highlighted Daniela’s story on their website. “Students Standing Strong members across the country were glad they could encourage First Liberty client Daniela Barca, because of her boldness and bravery for standing up for her faith in Jesus Christ!”
“Faith, mighty faith, the promise sees, And looks to God alone; Laughs at impossibilities, And cries it shall be done.” ~ Charles Wesley