More 250 people throughout the Gibson Southern and Haubstadt community wore shirts that said “Jesus Is King” on Wednesday, September 24. These shirts were created by Stacy Shellhaas, Designs by Stacy, in honor of Charlie Kirk.
“A parent from Haubstadt Community School reached out to me about the shirts for her daughter’s class,” Shellhaas said. “I have a daughter at Haubstadt Community School, too, so I decided to offer it to everyone at school. Once we decided to do it, I reached out to some high school students for help at Gibson Southern High School.”
Shellhaas accommodated everyone by making the shirts only $10. This gave more people the opportunity to purchase a shirt at a cheaper price.
“I only charged the cost to make them instead of my normal pricing,” Shellhaas said. “I did not want price to be a factor in why a child did not have a shirt.”
The first thought was to wear these shirts on picture day, but when she heard See You At The Pole was the same week, she knew that was the right day.
“Picture day was the same week we decided to make the shirts,” Shellhaas said. “My first thought was how awesome it would be for all of them to wear them for pictures. I mentioned this to a friend, and she suggested they wear them to See You At The Pole. I asked her daughter and friend to make fliers with the date and how to order.”
Students spread the word by posting on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students for Life GroupMe and by creating a flyer and to post on their Instagram stories.
“I loved seeing everyone in the shirts, and it felt even better to be included in that movement.” sophomore Tenley Beloat said. “It showed how powerful just a simple shirt was. I had so many questions about it, and it felt so amazing to be able to tell them about why we were wearing them! I wore the shirt to show my love for Jesus and to advocate for him!”
Shellhaas is still getting orders for the shirt today. According to Shellhaas, the response to the shirts from the public was fantastic.
“I am proud of all of the students, parents and school administrators,” Shellhaas said. “Both principals knew the plan and did not ask us not to do it! It shows a lot for our community!”
This was a moment for students to be bold in their faith, an opportunity some felt like they have never got to do before.
“I enjoyed being able to present my faith out loud and visible to everybody without worry,” senior Mark Stunkel said. “I liked to see lots of people wearing them because, as a Christian, seeing other people of faith not afraid to present their beliefs was big moment for me.”
