Religious Celebrations Within the Community

Abraham, Moses, and the Hebrew prophets. It also has four major holidays throughout the year. One is Hanukkah celebrated from Dec. 7 to 15. Another is Passover, celebrated in April and sometimes March.

Senior Jay Carter has been participating in Passover since they were very young.

“I just like that most Jewish holidays all have a lot of meaning to them, and I really appreciate that,” Carter said.

Islam

Islam is a religion centered around the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad. It has two holidays in the Islamic calendar. One is the last day of the Islam calendar, and one ends Ramadan.

Ramadan is the holy month of worship, study of Quran, prayer, and fasting. This year, it started at the end of March and ended at the end of April. During this month, Muslims follow a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset. They are not allowed to eat or drink, not even water, during these daily hours.

Many students must change their daily schedule to adapt to Ramadan.

Junior Ali Habila said, “The way I work around it is if I have a track meet or cross country meet that day, I don’t fast. And then, the days I just have practice or something like that, I do fast.”

“Something I like about Ramadan is getting rid of the bad habits and strengthening your relationship with God,” Habila said.

A large part of all three of these holidays is making connections with others.

Carter said, “I love eating with my family. I love latkes, they are so good. Also bagels and lox. You can also get an amazing Jewish brisket.”

Senior Hafsah Khan said, “I like seeing my community because we get together a lot more.”

These holidays can encourage some students’ faith to grow.

“I want to have my own personal relationship with God, and then, I want to be able to spread his gospel to the rest of the world,” Rueter said.

by staffer Lili Everley

Going undefeated in their first regular season as a club sport and 16-1 this season as of Monday, May 1, mens volleyball is set for success. A club sport means the team does not compete under MSHSAA. They also receive no funding from the athletic budget and have to provide their own money via fundraising for all uniforms, tournaments, and anything else the team needs to be successful.

Coaches Candace McCall and Kyle Lawson are volunteer coaches. This means they receive no stipend for