“First Priority has given the students on our campus a club where they can feel safe and can come and worship without fear of getting in trouble or made fun of,” said Casey Collins, Leeds High School student and First Priority Leader. “It helps students learn how to worship, pray, and learn more about our God every week.”

Casey has been a member and leader of First Priority for the past six years. Along with her commitment to First Priority, Casey is very involved in different school organizations and her church. She is the senior class vice president, National Honor Society vice president, FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) president/state vice president of programs, Peer Tutor- Programs Chair, FCA secretary, Yearbook editor, Quill and Scroll senior editor and Leeds High School Club Day creator. Casey is also a part of W.A.V.E Student Liaison, Eco- Scape Mad Scientist Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Drama Club, Chamber Diplomat, Heritage Panel, Scholars Bowl, FBLA, Dual Enrollment, Honors Classes, Student Government Association, Leeds High Sisterhood, Flag Football Team, and Junior Optimist Club. Casey is a youth leader and missions committee member at Valley View Baptist Church. She works at Leeds Elementary After School-Care Program, is a part of Youth Empowerment Program, is the Fire Prevention Queen, Leeds High School Miss “Leeder,” and Voted Leeds High School Miss Greenwave.

Casey recently opened up to us about how First Priority is changing the lives of students in her school. Casey took time to share the following with us:

First Priority: How many members attended First Priority when you first attended? How many members attend now?

Casey: In middle school, we averaged about 12-15 students every Wednesday. Today, we have between 20-25 weekly.

First Priority: Are you a leader in First Priority? If so, how long have you been a leader? What are your responsibilities as a leader?

Casey: Yes, I have been a leader since I joined in sixth grade. I usually do the announcements and assist with lining up speakers and activities each week.

First Priority: What makes you standout in First Priority?

Casey: I have been in First Priority for six years and I care a lot about outreach and strive for our club to maintain as active as possible.

First Priority: Why do you have a passion for First Priority and believe in it?   

Casey: First Priority to me can help reach students who don’t go to church. We can be an example for students at our school and spark an interest within them through our activities and speakers.

First Priority: How has First Priority changed your life?

Casey: First Priority has given me the opportunity to meet a variety of new people that I may not have ever been able to meet. I have been to every leadership meeting and have had the chance to hear from fantastic speakers and learn so much.

First Priority: Do you believe First Priority is effective on your campus? Why/How?

Casey: I do. It allows us to reach students who we cannot reach throughout our churches.

First Priority: What are specific things your First Priority club has done on campus to reach students for Christ?

Casey: Recently, we had a prayer walk where we walked through the halls and prayed silently for the students in our school. We try to have guest speakers every week provide new and exciting things for students to come see.

First Priority: How is First Priority changing lives on your campus?

Casey: First Priority has given the students on our campus a club where they can feel safe and can come and worship without fear of getting in trouble or made fun of. It helps students learn how to worship, pray, and learn more about our God every week.

First Priority: Have you witnessed friends and other students come to know Christ through First Priority?

Casey: I have seen students come to know Christ at functions such as the Leadership Conference and Saw You at the Pole, but none personally on our campus.

We would like to thank Casey for opening up and sharing with us how First Priority is changing and influencing lives on her campus. We are very encouraged that students find safety and comfort in First Priority. We appreciate Casey’s outreach efforts to reach the unchurched and for leading by example in her school.