Jackson Powers has been raised in church and his personal faith is very important to him. So much so that he decided to use it to guide his high school senior project.

Powers determined he could best serve his community of peers by helping high school junior Jackson Carney lead weekly Bible study during lunch every Wednesday at the high school.

“We started it last year,” he said. “It’s part of the ‘Youth Alive’ program, and that’s something that helps people spread the word of God through the schools and to be there for kids who are lonely and need help.”

He said the group was averaging approximately six visitors each Wednesday, but since they started providing food the numbers have grown to anywhere between 10 to 14 students each week.

“What we do, basically, is we study a single chapter from the Bible together and everyone talks about what they got from reading it,” he said. “We have good talks about it and then we pray for each other and for anyone who needs it.

“It’s just something I’m passionate about. I love people and I want to be there for them in any way I can.”

Powers, 18, attends Harbor Light Church in Wrangell and said his immediate plans after graduation consist of staying local, working with his family and continuing to be plugged into activities and mission trips through his church.

While he doesn’t rule out college in the future, he said the next year of graduation will serve as a “gap year.”

“I’ll stay and work with my dad, Dan Powers, and his business Experience Wrangell (guided tours),” he said. “I would also like to help lead at different church camps, too.”

Powers said he is open to the college experience and, if he does go, would like to attend North Idaho College in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

“Both of my parents went there. And Coach (Jack) Carney went there and wrestled there, too,” he said.

Powers said he envisions coming back to Wrangell, regardless of what path develops from a college experience.

“I would love to come back and work with my dad and maybe have my own business, too,” he said. “All the people here are kind and they’re willing to help anyone who needs it. They get the job done.”

Powers said he will miss the close friendships he made through athletic competitions, but he is also looking forward to what the future will bring.

“I do want to travel the world and see some cool places,” he said. “But I’ll be coming back, no matter what.”