<p>Hi everyone. Our local public high school still carries on with the tradition of a Baccalaureate Ceremony (did I spell that correctly?). The format has changed over the years. Years ago, it had a religious tone to it with the local Priest giving a blessing to the outgoing seniors. Now, it’s a ceremony that the students put on to give thanks to those that have helped them throughout the years. It’s not mandatory to participate but for those who do, it’s a chance for them to say a few words of thanks and bring some closure to high school.</p>
<p>It’s still occuring around here at our public high school on the Sunday afternoon the weekend before graduation. It’s optional, although most people do attend. A religious figure generally runs the ceremony and although the ceremony is sort of generic ‘spiritual’ it’s not really religious per say.</p>
<p>Ours is run by parents and is contemplative, not specifically religious. They moved it out of the local church and into the auditorium a couple of years ago. Our HS is very diverse with Muslim, Jewish and Hindu added to the mix. They try to have inspirational readings/music from students of different faiths or beliefs and one inspirational speaker. It is totally optional attendance.</p>
<p>no (10 char)</p>
<p>Our public high school holds a non-mandatory bac service each year a few days before graduation. It is totally student-run and inclusive of all faiths.</p>
<p>Ours is run by the council of churches or whatever they call it now that we have so many different faithes in our little town (including Muslims and Wiccans) and it’s held at the a Unitarian church. The religious leader people say a few words and most of it is students who do something - sing, read a poem, play an instrument, do a dance - something inspirational. You have to submit what you are going to do for approval and there is a limit to how many things can be done - they try to have a mix so it isn’t just singing. It isn’t mandatory to go but it’s always nice.</p>
<p>No, our public HS does not have this. My D’s private university had one at her recent graduation. There were aspects to the service representing all faiths.</p>
<p>Our public school does not do this. My son’s Episcopal tradition boys boarding school has a lovely chapel service, and my other son’s Episcopal tradition but multicultural independent day school has one as well. I believe both are required attendance for seniors. – but these are independent schools.</p>
<p>Our local public high school had this last Saturday and it was very nice. The religious aspect of it has been replaced with the kids coming up to the microphone to share their feelings. For some, it was very emotional-- for example–“Dad, I hope I’ve made you proud”–her Dad died a couple of years ago. Some were funny–“Dad, thanks for being willing to work for the next 325 years to pay for college.” or “Mom, thanks for always having a dinner plate waiting for me after my Varsity practices and games.” They thanked their teachers, friends, grandparents, etc. This gave the kids an opportunity to show appreciation for the people who supported them throughout the years, etc. There wasn’t a dry eye in the auditorium.</p>
<p>Our high school still does this, the Sunday before graduation, totally optional (except for the choir kids who have to sing), held at a local church. We already know that Son’s will conflict with our two daughers’ dance recital. Yikes!</p>