By J1 Reporter Rachel Kenney

“Every person is made in God’s image and deserves the right to life,”  junior Molly Robb said. She is a student leader with the Students for Life club at Marian.  Her words get to the core of why the club and its mission gathers using faith inspired conviction that translates to help and support for mothers and babies. 

This fall the club’s main focus is putting passionate beliefs into action. This includes activities such as diaper drives, fundraising, prayer, respectful protest and teaching students how to speak about and promote the cause respectfully in public. 

For students like Robb, the club is both a moral principle and an opportunity to act. “I believe God puts everyone on this earth for a reason, and taking a life changes other people’s paths. We want to protect life and spread awareness,” Robb said. The combination of faith and action is shown in what the club promotes all year. Supply drives for pregnancy centers, prayer vigils, and information tables help point the students to the community. 

Unfortunately the work has costs beyond time and money. Mrs. Amy Bauman, the theology teacher who moderates the group and has accompanied the students on many trips, says one of the hardest parts for her has been the backlash on the students. “The hardest part was the blowback,” she said. “It hit my students, not me.” Following social media posts from past marches, some students received negative comments and feedback on social media. Bauman describes how these reactions made her rethink preparation and protection for the students. 

A major event that the club is preparing is the March for Life in Washington DC. This march takes place every January, where hundreds of thousands of people from all over the country march on behalf of the unborn. This year it takes place on Jan. 23, and after a few years of Marian not attending, it is happily said that a group will be going this year. This group, of around 20 people, will fly together and spend a few days together in Washington. Not only is this an important moment for them to witness so many people standing up for their cause, but it’s also an opportunity to truly enjoy themselves. With so many different sights to see and things to experience, it causes much excitement for the group. 

For the Marian students, this club is more than just a school activity. It is a rare chance for them to speak up for those who cannot do so for themselves. By volunteering, fundraising and speaking up in public, they do their best to honor the dignity and worth that every person possesses – an honor they know is given by God. This conviction turns belief into action, through things such as diaper drives, quiet conversations and the courage to stand up. For Robb and her classmates, that is the real lesson, learning to defend life with compassion and a willingness to serve.