After daily chapel Jan. 6, the 430 students of TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas observed a Day of Prayer by writing special messages on balloons and releasing them together at the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer. Messages included “Peace be with you,” “Best year ever” and “Thank you,” as well as more personal hopes and wishes. “Prayers in chapel can get a little repetitious. It was symbolic to see our prayers go up to the sky,” said senior Marian Amini, president of the school’s Interact community-service club, which co-sponsored the event with TMI’s Moms in Touch prayer group.

Members of the Interact club came up with the idea before Christmas break, said Tracy Carter, their faculty sponsor. “We’re thankful we had such a beautiful day for balloons.”