Forty-one Wheeling Central Students Attend Youth Rally, National March for Life in Nation’s Capitol

WHEELING — Forty-one Wheeling Central Catholic High School students were among tens of thousands of demonstrators who traveled to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 22 to participate in this year’s “March for Life” rally.

The rally, which marked the 35th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that gave women the constitutional right to have an abortion, was attended by demonstrators from all over the nation, mostly under the age of 25. Student groups traveled from as far away as Kansas – a 30-hour bus trip – to take part in both the Rally for Life and Youth Mass held at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., as well as the March for Life. The Rally and Youth Mass were sponsored by the Archdiocese of Washington. The March for Life was sponsored by the National March for Life Committee.

The Verizon Center, which holds 40,000 people, quickly reached capacity and was forced to turn people away to alternate Mass locations. Central’s group was among those who walked to the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle on Rhode Island Avenue, NW, to attend an overflow mass. CCHS Chaplain Father Dennis Schuelkens, who accompanied the students along with Principal Joe Viglietta and Campus Minister Jeff Smay, had the honor of serving as one of the 14 concelebrants at St. Matthew’s Mass with Rev. Msgr. W. Ronald Jameson presiding.

“It was a great experience,” said Fr. Dennis. “It was inspiring to see so many young people that had made the sacrifice to travel so far by bus and stand up for the fundamental principle of life.”

Organized by CCHS Campus Minister Jeff Smay, the 6-hour bus trip to Washington, D.C. gave Central’s participating juniors and seniors an opportunity to stand together among their peers and make their voices heard.

“The March for Life is an extraordinary experience, especially for students,” Smay said. “To be a part of something so huge and something so important as protecting human life is a special opportunity. We are very proud of the kids who participated and know they will remember this day long after they graduate from Central.”

Bishop Michael J. Bransfield of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston also attended the event, joining Central students at the Youth Mass held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew.

With a foundation dating back to the 19th century, a faith-based education stands as the hallmark of Wheeling Central Catholic High School. Located in the heart of The Friendly City, Wheeling Central is proud of its students and their outstanding academic, athletic, and community service achievements. One of seven Catholic High Schools in West Virginia, Wheeling Central is where championship lives begin.