OHS students practice a variety of religions, setting them apart in devotion, but grounding them on common values.

One of the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary definitions of the word “religion” is “a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith.” This broadened definition can help include all systems of beliefs, especially those not necessarily centered around worship of a supernatural being or a God. Religion can come in all shapes and sizes, but in the end everyone has to work, live, and play together.

Many people, especially in Orono High School, are involved in the same religious youth groups. Greta Schmitt, a senior, stated that about 99 percent of the youth group (Youth Alive) is made up of Orono students.

The religious diversity of any school enriches the interactions and points of view that are brought up. Different mindsets and belief systems affect the dynamic of the student body.

Junior Eva Martinuzzi considers herself a Christian-Buddhist. Mainly, that means she believes in “moving toward less suffering, more…bettering the world. I’m against mean people, intolerance, and oppression of people because of who they are and what they believe in.” In society many people have adopted morals that are commonly called Christian values.

“I believe in loving people, being merciful and loving one another. It’s a big part of our culture but has become part of my religion,” said senior Josh Surver.

Part of the process of growing up is why and how students decide on their beliefs. Mackenzie Zoner, a senior, said she’s “more spiritual than religious. I’d like to believe in a higher being but don’t think I’m educated enough to make that decision.”

“I believe in God, and my parents taught me Christian values, but they left it to [me and my sisters to decide what] to believe. As high schoolers, a lot of people think they know what they believe, but those have the potential to change as they go out on their own,” said Zoner.

Part of the experience of a public school, however, is the differentiating of beliefs that add variety and diversity to the school. It is an example of how different people come to different conclusions to the same topic. “I was never raised as a church going person, nor was I told that there wasn’t a God. I discovered [what I believe] through logic.” Reid Schur, senior, considers himself an atheist. “I feel like I’m a growing minority.”

“I’d say 40% of the school is Christian; more than that say they are but they couldn’t tell you what that is,” says Surver. But whether or not one believes in a God it’s about what to decide to believe and how to believe it and live it every day as an individual.

“My dad always tells me that we’re different–we’re always going to be different. It’s important to realize your identity as a Jewish person; I always wear the star,” said Elan Chargo, senior. The star of David, a common Jewish symbol, is a unifying symbol in the Jewish community. Many Christians use the cross as a daily religious reminder, and especially in Orono High School, cross-oriented jewelry can be seen daily.

“It’s nice to have something to believe in,” said Martinuzzi.

Tessa Ostvig is the Visuals Editor for the Spartan Speaks