Clayton Residents Appeal in Prayer

Storm clouds continue to hang over the Clayton County schools.

Saturday, the system officially had its accreditation stripped, pending significant improvements by September 1.

On Monday night, hundreds made a desperate appeal for divine intervention.

Beleaguered parents and students took their appeals for help to a higher authority. They have come to the Living Faith Tabernacle in Forest Park to humble themselves in prayer.

"I believe it encourages our school board members, our teachers, the staff of Clayton County schools, and overall uplifts our Clayton County community to let them know we're praying for them," said parent Louise Crisp. "We're in there with them and they are not alone."

It is a large community of faith, bound by hand and hope that the schools can be saved.

Among the hundreds in the pews Monday night, students themselves.

"All public schools in Clayton County are not bad, because you have other counties that are not doing as well as us," said student Tetyana Anderson. "We're just being in the mainstream and the focus because of all the things going on with the board."

Jasmine is a junior with a 4.0 average, whose stellar academic record could be thrown into jeopardy if the system's accreditation is not spared.

"We have awesome teachers, awesome faculties, our principals are great as well," she said. "Because they always support us in everything that we do." Including what they do now -- pray.