Despite the wet weather, more than 200 students turned out to praise God and offer thanks for the freedom to pray. They asked blessings on their school, classmates and teachers before leaving for the first class of the day at the high school, where the enrollment is about 1,500.

The nondenominational, student-led rally at Lakeside and other Augusta-area schools evolved from a youth group gathering in Texas 13 years ago. See You at the Pole has become an international student movement in more than 20 countries. Rallies in the United States drew more than 3 million people in 2001, according to organizers.

Rallies officially start at 7 a.m. on the third Wednesday of September.

They are a great way to meet other Christians and to show those who don't share the faith what the rallies are about, said Brian Lam, 16, a Lakeside junior.

Lakeside High School students press toward the flagpole at school and lay hands on one another while praying. They were taking part Wednesday in the 13th annual See You at the Pole day. ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER/STAFF

"It is an awesome way to bring God into your schools," said Brian, who prayed and sang in the front row of students encircling Lakeside's flagpole.

Michael Watson, a 17-year-old senior, opened the event by strumming Lord, I Lift Your Name on High on his guitar. Wednesday's event was the third for both Michael and Brian.

"It is a lot of fun," Michael said.

Reach Virginia Norton at (706) 823-3336 or vanorton@augustachronicle.com.