Pike High School in Indianapolis, Ind., claims to be one of the most diverse schools in the nation. With students hailing from several different countries, speaking several different languages, it is a wonder it has not turned into a modern-day Babylon. Why then can one count the number of Jewish people on one hand?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Jewish population in America is about 1.7 percent of the total population as of 2007. This means that at a school of 3,000 students, about 50 should be Jewish. Obviously this is not exactly how it works, but many schools across the country have a similar range to Pike's five Jewish students.

Maddie Slutsky, a senior at William Mason High School in Cincinnati, Oh., knows firsthand what it is like to be one of a few Jewish students. “There's over 3,000 people in my school, but only eight of us are Jewish. I have to find other places to show my Judaism. We don't have any Jewish clubs or organizations. Luckily my youth group is very active,” says Slutsky.

Even in Baltimore, Md., one of the areas with the highest Jewish population in the U.S., Jewish students are struggling for a religious connection. “Judaism at my school is a name more than it is a religion. Us Jews kind of stick together at my school and in my area, but there aren't many of us,” Owings Mills High School senior Aly Glassband says.

To a certain extent, some would rather be the only Jew with a lack of resources, rather than experience anti-Semitism. At Ancaster High School in Ancaster, Ontario, anti-Semitism discourages Jewish students to become involved. “In my school, Judaism is not a big part of any event or celebration. In fact, there is an abundance of anti-Semitism among the students—and, in some cases, even the faculty. I am lucky if I find someone who can vaguely describe Hanukkah. As for Yom Kippur, Passover or any other Jewish Holiday, there are only a select few who have even heard of them. In Ancaster High, ignorance is quite popular,” senior Ashley Malka says.

After hearing from a few other students at Ancaster, it seems almost like a burden to be a Jewish student. It often seems that there are no social or educational opportunities for Jewish students to participate in tikkun olam (repairing the world) or g'milut chasadim (acts of lovingkindness). In Skokie, Ill., however, Judaism is a major part of students' lives.

“Every other week we have Israeli club. It is open to Jewish kids as well as non-Jews. We eat and learn about the holidays through projects and field trips. This year, our first field trip was a sukkah hop. Students [in one] neighborhood had different meals at their sukkot and we went around to eat and explore in each one,” says Kyla Finestone, a senior at Niles North High School in Skokie.

Niles North also features five levels of Hebrew classes with trips to Hebrew film festivals and Israeli food tastings at schools in the area. They even showcase an international night during which Jewish students cook Israeli food and present an Israeli dance.

The question still remains, “What should I make of this?” Yes, there are schools in which Judaism is not prevalent and there are schools in which it is the main focus. What matters as American Jewish teenagers is what we make of our situation—will we start a Hebrew club or a Jewish Student Union or is what is offered at our synagogues enough? For most, going to services each week, once and a while or just on Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah does not fulfill for us what it means to lead a Jewish life..

Religion brings people together, and there is no reason to wait until Hillel in college or youth group events to find the next fix. If Judaism is prevalent at a school, start a Jewish community service club focusing on tikkun olam. If Judaism is absent, start a multicultural club that focuses on the differences that bring students together and talk about the Jewish takes on different global or local issues.

Everyone can find their personal level of Judaism somewhere, at any school, whether or not there is anti-Semitism, ignorance or a student body of 2,000 Jews. Being Jewish is about incorporating community, culture and religion. Students every day are realizing what being an American Jewish teenager means to them. So here's a challenge: Begin the path to discover how it is defined for you.

Katie Harry is a graduating from Pike High School in Indianapolis, Ind., in December 2009. She is involved in newspaper, theater, freshman mentors, NFTY and other fantastic organizations.