High school and college students camped out in front of the U.S. Supreme Court Feb. 25, two days ahead of scheduled arguments in American Legion v. American Humanist Association and Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission v. American Humanist Association. Tucker Higgins

WASHINGTON -- About two dozen high school and college students are being paid to hold places in line for Wednesday's blockbuster dispute at the U.S. Supreme Court over whether a colossal WWI memorial cross in Maryland will be permitted to remain standing. The students, who are first in line, set up their camp site on Monday morning, a full 48 hours before arguments are set to begin. They said they were not allowed to disclose who was paying them or how much they were getting paid, but that the pay was decent.

"Makes it worth it for the amount of time we sit here," said David Alexander, a 20-year-old member of the group who said that he was on break from college. He said he would like to attend arguments himself, but he needs the money. Read more: Justices to consider whether giant World War I memorial cross can stay Line-standing has become something of a court tradition, thanks to the court's prohibition on television cameras and the relatively tight space available in the historic building. Only about 250 seats are available to the public, according to the court's historical society. "We are all with the guy with the beard in the chair," Alexander explained. "He has organized all of us to hold spots in the line, because organizations pay us to hold spots in line. The morning of, they take our spot and we get paid." WATCH: Why college is so expensive in America