At West Madison Elementary School, students can join a new organization that instills integrity — Fellowship of Christian Athletes/Fellowship of Christian Students (FCA/FCS).

Fifth-grade teacher Kimberly Hobbs was motivated to sponsor FCA/FCS by her class president’s work last year.

The president “created ‘cabinets’ for the fifth-grade class. One was the school/community cabinet (so) students and community could come together to serve, show integrity, excellence and teamwork,” Hobbs said. “This is just what FCA/FCS is all about.”

The first FCA/FCS meeting drew many students. FCA presentations led students “to follow through more effectively on what they say and do (integrity) and make themselves available to those whom called on them (service),” Hobbs said.

In addition, students are avoiding self-centeredness to become team players and exhibiting excellence “by doing the best they could socially and academically,” she said.

West Madison students have those values already but have begun to demonstrate the traits more openly, thus encouraging their interest in FCA/FCS, Hobbs said. “Although FCA/FCS is Christian-based organization, we open doors for all students to attend to instill the value of teamwork and excellence.”

FCA/FCS is open to students in grades 4-6. Meetings are held before school (siblings may attend to help parents with logistics). Hobbs said students aren’t required to athletes or Christians and can join at their own free will with parental approval. (West Madison athletes play in recreational leagues.)

“We want to reach as many students as we possibly can to focus on FCA’S four core values (integrity, serving, teamwork and excellence),” Hobbs said.

FCA/FCS meet monthly on the fourth Thursday. Facilitators begin the meeting with a team huddle. They welcome with greetings and announcements and have a warm-up icebreaker with games and skill tests, ‘workout’ (testimonials) and closing comments.

The Chambliss family facilitates meetings by booking guest speakers, mainly athletes, and serving breakfast. As sponsor, Hobbs expects students to demonstrate good sportsmanship.

One FCA/FCS member, Matthew E., joined because he “wanted to learn more about God with my peers.” Matthew most enjoys engaging “in teamwork through warm-up activities.”