With graduation approaching, it’s an exciting and busy time for senior high school students. Graduation announcements, open house plans, honors convocation, senior breakfast, rehearsal and the actual ceremony are all parts of the experience for most students. There is one part of the experience, however, that many students don’t know much about—the Baccalaureate celebration.

The Baccalaureate is a celebration of graduating students from either high school or college, and is usually faith-based. It is believed to have originated at Oxford University in 1432, when each bachelor was required to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of his academic exercise. Since the earliest universities in this country were founded primarily to educate ministers, the British practice of the Baccalaureate Service was continued.

The seniors of Cedar Springs High School will have their Baccalaureate service on Sunday, May 23, at 6 p.m. in the HS auditorium. The Cedar Springs Ministerial Association is working with the students on the service. They plan to have a video presentation of the students and activities they’ve been involved with, music, and testimonies from students. This year’s guest speaker will be Pastor Chad Wight, also a football coach at the high school.

“A lot of students today don’t understand what Baccalaureate is,” said Craig Carter, pastor at North Kent Community Church. But he thinks it’s important. “For those students who have a relationship with Christ, it might be their last chance to have a lasting impact on their class.”

They hope to emphasize that kids should try to stay connected to God throughout their life. “Hopefully they will remember that they have someone to talk to when facing life’s challenges,” said Carter.

After the service, the Ministerial Association will present each student with a gift. There will also be refreshments served, and a time to connect with friends and family. Everyone is invited—no RSVP needed.