What is Baccalaureate?
Baccalaureate is a non-denominational religious ceremony sponsored and planned entirely by students that are Senior Class Officers at SHS. Traditionally, senior students are chosen by their class officers to read scriptures, recite inspirational poems, or tell motivational stories. Our Madrigals sing beautiful songs. Normally, there is also an adult guest speaker, chosen by the Class Officers, to speak to those in attendance as well who could be from any number of religious backgrounds and they will offer an uplifting and inspirational message for our seniors. The whole meeting takes less than an hour and is scheduled for the Sunday prior to graduation in the Lobo Auditorium.
Attendance at Baccalaureate is not required; however, there are other reasons that seniors and their families should attend:
Seniors get a chance to wear their graduation cap and gown prior to the graduation ceremony.
Parents of Seniors are able to take close up pictures of their students marching down the aisle of the auditorium
Parents of Seniors are able to take pictures after the ceremony with friends and classmates in a calmer and more intimate environment than graduation
Seniors get to spend a little more time and make a few more memories with their fellow classmates.
On the Thursday prior to Baccalaureate, seniors are required to attend an afternoon meeting to discuss graduation and other end of the year issues. At the end of this meeting, a 15-20 minute Baccalaureate practice is held. Those seniors that choose to participate in Baccalaureate will practice marching in and out of the auditorium and figure out where to sit in the proper location. The Seniors that choose not to participate in Baccalaureate are asked to sit quietly in the corner of the auditorium while the practice takes place. After the practice, all seniors are then released to attend the Yearbook Signing Activity in the big gym.
Parents, please discuss with your seniors whether or not they want to participate in the Baccalaureate program prior to our Senior Meeting. This way your students can make an educated decision on whether or not they want to participate, and they'll know whether or not to practice with the others planning to attend.
At SHS, we love the tradition of Baccalaureate! It allows the students to pause and reflect on their journey thus far, this rite of passage they are on the precipice of, and focuses on their future ahead. It allows for that intimate time with family and friends for pictures and memories. However, we know that it is an individual decision that needs to be made by each senior and his or her family.
