Baccalaureate

On June 9, I had the honor and privilege of being a part of the Baccalaureate service for the seniors at Carlynton High School. Many people might not realize it, but most school districts have abandoned having Baccalaureate services for their students, but Carlyton continues.

Even though the Penguins were playing Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals that night, the senior class was very well represented, along with many of their family members and friends.

I was particularly impressed by the speeches that four of the students gave, in which they shared how their faith has played a role in the school life. One student told about how she organized a "Meet You At The Pole" event, as part of a nationwide event that encourages students and school personnel to gather at the school flag pole on a particular day in the fall to pray for the school and the community. She told about how the event was very small when she first organized it, but how it has now grown into something significant for the school community.

A member of the football team shared about how many members of the team pray before games and meals, praying for their safety, praying for the other team, and praying for each other.

Another student spoke about she was part of a group of students who regularly met to pray and read the Bible.

And another student told about how many of those who participated in the musical regularly got together and formed a prayer group.

I found it to be very inspiring that the Christian faith is playing such a significant role in the lives of many of our area young people.

Ed Bowen