At a general assembly in the performing arts center at Gothenburg High School on the first day of school Thursday, junior and senior high students and teachers will stand with a hand over their hearts.

They will then recite “The Pledge of Allegiance.”

Absent from many Nebraska schools for years, the pledge is making a comeback because of a new state rule.

The rule, passed by the Nebraska Board of Education Friday, requires state schools to set aside time for students to take the pledge although participation is voluntary.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Teahon said Dudley Elementary students already recite the pledge.

Requiring high schoolers to do the same is “not out of the realm of what we already do,” Teahon said.

High school principal Randy Evans said a different senior will come to the office and recite the pledge over the intercom at the beginning of each day.

“I’m glad it’s back because I believe it’s a part of school,” Evans said. “The elementary does the pledge and we need to be consistent.”

The recitation also gives seniors a chance to be leaders, he said.

“And it’s a great way to start the day.”

Failing to comply with the new requirement could mean loss of accreditation of districts and state funding.