Our 2002 High School Genesis program was made possible by a generous grant from the Baltimore Equitable Insurance Foundation and hosted by Baltimore City College High School and the Gilman School. Sixty young people participated last year, led by Geoffrey Basik, Donna Lee Frisch, Judy Frumkin, Maggi Gaines, Emily Gaines Demsky, David Holland, and David Owens. Lauren Hinmon offers her critique of the experience. For information about how students can become involved with our 2003 High School Genesis program, call Laura Riger at 410-523-7227.

Last year I was one of several students from Western High School who volunteered to participate in the Genesis program sponsored by the ICJS. We met on four consecutive Tuesday nights beginning at the end of January and continuing into February.

I really didn't know what to expect when I attended the first session, but High School Genesis really helped to strengthen my faith. It challenged me to evaluate what I believe and why I believe it. By presenting provocative, thoughtful questions, the facilitators forced me to look at many different points of view and interpretations of the Book of Genesis. During the course of our sessions, we read the Garden of Eden, the Tower of Babel, a chapter on Noah, and the Binding of Isaac. I learned many things from these discussions and the stories gave me a great deal of insight into history, as well as my own life. I am very glad that I was able to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with many different students from differ-ent schools in the Baltimore area, both public and private, to share and learn from each other.