Rock Hill –

With the start of a new school year just days away, nearly 200 people gathered in downtown Rock Hill Sunday to kick off the season on a spiritual note.

The crowd of students, educators and community members who lined the Old Town Amphitheater prayed for hope at a time when budgets are strained – both at home and in the schools.

The heavenward appeals at the first Back-to-School Prayer Rally ranged from asking for all A’s in classes to praying for no further teacher layoffs after school starts Wednesday.

“I pray that all the students behave,” said Jayda Carroll-Deaton, a rising fifth-grader at Belleview Elementary School.

“Well, some of the students. I know we’ll behave.”

She and friend Joelle Glapinski, a rising sixth-grader at Dutchman Creek Middle School, were among members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church who attended the rally.

“I pray that all the students who need colored pencils, crayons, notebooks, pencils and other items find the supplies they need through the generosity of others,” she said.