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Students wake up early to study their Mormon faith
Tyler Boswell tends to his studies in seminary at the Church of Latter Day Saints in Victoria. The Memorial High School junior gets up every school day at 4 a.m. to go to seminary and then to school. WHAT IS MORMON SEMINARY?
Seminary is a four-year rotation of classes where Mormons ages 14-18 study the four books considered the foundation of the Mormon faith: the New Testament, the Old Testament, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.
Although children participate in a completely voluntary basis, they are encouraged to attended. The classes run in sync with the school calendar and are usually held in the early morning.
At the Victoria Church of Latter Day Saints, classes begin at 6 a.m. and run until 6:50 a.m.
"It's Gospel-oriented, just like what they would get if they come to church on Sunday," said Bishop Ross Adamson, with the Victoria Church of Latter Day Saints. "It's kind of a strength to help them to keep their mind centered on Christ as their Savior and Redeemer, and it helps them in that way to try to do the best they can for each other."
It's 4 a.m., and 16-year-old Tyler Boswell's alarm clock is ringing.
The Memorial High School junior is not getting up for pre-calculus or football practice - that comes later in the day.
This is for his faith.
"It takes quite a bit," he said. "It's hard for most people to get up that early of a time and still have a time to do all their work and keep up in school."
Tyler leaves his home, outside Victoria's city limits, about 5:30 a.m., to make it on time to seminary, a daily catechism class, at the Church of Latter Day Saints in Victoria. As schoolchildren head back to class, these students are heading back to seminary.
About 5:30 a.m., Tyler drives himself or gets a ride into town.
At 5:50 a.m., while the stars are still out, Ben Jordan Street is empty, save the hustle and bustle in the church parking lot.
Parents are dropping off their children more than two hours before the first bell rings for classes.
They enter the church with their backpacks and binders, making their way to class.
Seminary is a four-year rotation of classes where Mormon children study the four books considered the foundation of the Mormon faith: the New Testament, the Old Testament, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.
At 6 a.m., class is in session.
About 11 to 16 students are enrolled in the class this year. They are all here by choice; singing hymns while their peers are tucked under bed covers enjoying their last moments of REM sleep.
"It's a bit difficult, but it's worth it because of the spiritual experience," said Kami Monney, 16, a MHS junior. "It is a part of my day."
It's 6:20 a.m., and the students have already done a devotional and morning prayer. Now, they're starting a group activity.
Today's assignment: the Book of Mormon.
"It's kind of hard to time manage," said Seanna Brewer, a 15-year-old sophomore. After daily Army ROTC drill, color guard and rifle team practices her day ends about 7 p.m.
"I'm pretty sore all the time," she said. "I'm pretty tired, but I'm very enthusiastic."
In seminary she chatters quietly after a group assignment. The days of sweet summer sleep are gone.
"I miss my 11 hours of sleep," Kami said.
Seanna leans her head on Kami, but keeps her eyes open. Kami yawns.
"It's something special to me," she said. "But it's something I chose and I wanted. I believe it brings me closer to my Heavenly Father."
At 6:50 a.m., class is wrapping up. Strips of daylight peak into the classroom from a glass door in the hall.
Some students squirm in their chairs, yawn, restlessly. Their tables are filled with Bibles, hymnals, workbooks and Books of Mormon. Underneath are backpacks and binders.
Tyler prepares for the rest of his day. Advanced placement history, chemistry and pre-calculus, along with English and auto tech are followed by junior varsity football practice. He usually gets home around 7 p.m., but he values his choice.
"It's kind of weird how smoother your day goes," he said. "When I come here, I study better, pay attention, and I do a whole lot better on tests. It helps you wake up and start your day."
