A baccalaureate celebration

Erick Kalenga
Published: May 24, 2008

On June 8 at 3 p.m. in the Culpeper County High School auditorium, graduates are invited to attend the baccalaureate service. The baccalaureate service is a very important event where graduates take the time to reflect on their accomplishments, challenges and future plans. This is a great time for the graduating class of 2008 to rejoice, praise, honor and celebrate one another.

For a number of years the CCHS Academic Booster Club worked very hard in organizing and promoting the baccalaureate service under the leadership of Cheryl Walker. As we are approaching the end of this school year, Mrs. Walker, in partnership with Culpeper County High School Rize Up Club, encourages the community to join the graduating class of 2008 for this special cap and gown ceremony.

This celebration will include testimonies for thanksgiving from various seniors, great music from the CCHS brass band and acappella choir and a time of fellowship and refreshment. All the graduates and family are welcome to attend this special event.

Baccalaureate services have been celebrated since the 8th century. In many other areas, this ceremony is the highlight of the year. This graduating class of 2008 will mark the end of one era and the beginning of another. We would like the community to join the class of 2008 in this celebration because as of next school year Culpeper County will have two high schools.

Although this is a very special ceremony, graduates are not required to attend the baccalaureate service. I believe this is a great opportunity for graduates to thank all the people who supported them through good and bad times and, most importantly, to thank God for His protection and provision. All graduates attending the baccalaureate are required to arrive at Culpeper County High School at 2:30 p.m. to prepare for the processional. This is a message to all the graduates for the class of 2008. I believe that God does not make mistakes — you are here for a reason. Long before you were conceived by your parents, God had you in his mind and had a purpose for your life. He knew you would be graduating this year.

As the scripture says: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:1-5.

I encourage all graduates to pursue the call that God has for them.

I thank God for the following seniors who have been very instrumental in getting Rize Up started: Laura Kebede, Jamie Hiner, Felicia Gonzalez, Sam Jones, Dale Winburn, Josh Hopkins, Scott O’Neil in Madison and Kristen Hughes. I pray for blessing as they pursuit their purposes in life.

Erick Kalenga is an independent columnist who appears Sundays in the Star-Exponent. He lives in Madison County. E-mail

Want to go?
What: CCHS baccalaureate service
When: June 8, 3 p.m.
Where: CCHS auditorium