
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, June 10, 1994                    TAG: 9406080151 
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS                     PAGE: 06    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: BY JUDY PARKER, STAFF WRITER 
DATELINE: 940610                                 LENGTH: Medium

MINISTERS OFFER BACCALAUREATE SERVICE

{LEAD} CALLING LAST YEAR'S first citywide baccalaureate service a great success, the Portsmouth Area Ministerial Association and the Interdenominational Minister's Forum will sponsor a similar program at Willett Hall at 3 p.m. Sunday. All seniors graduating from the city's public high schools are invited to participate.

``We've tried to get permission to distribute handbills in the schools to notify the senior classes that a baccalaureate service will be held,'' said the Rev. Melvin Hester, one of the event's coordinators.

{REST} ``However, we've not been given access to them. We've had little cooperation from anyone in the school system.''

According to Dr. Thomas M. Cimino, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, the city's school system has no formal written policy on the distribution of handbills announcing services or programs aimed toward its students.

And, while a 1992 ruling by the Supreme Court virtually banned traditional baccalaureate services in public schools, Portsmouth's two ministerial associations decided that the city's public high school graduates ought to leave their academic environs via a spiritual message.

``This type of program is very much needed,'' said the Rev. Leon Boone, who will give the service's invocation.

``I've heard from many people who attended last year's service. Most were very impressed. Some of the students even commented that they felt the baccalaureate is as important as their graduation ceremony.''

Guest speaker for the 1994 baccalaureate is the Rev. Randy Orwig, pastor of the United Church of Christ in Virginia Beach.

``My message to the graduates will be about scarcity and abundance in spiritual life,'' Orwig said.

``Now that they are graduating from high school and embarking on their careers, it's time these young men and women develop a level of spirituality in their lives as adults. I want them to know it's OK to talk about spiritual things.

``Under these very special circumstances, because this is a private ceremony not sponsored by the public school system, I don't feel I have any restrictions about what I say. This will be a Christian ceremony,'' Orwig said.

In addition to Orwig, the Tidewater Community Band and WAVY-TV anchorman Kelly Wright will perform.

Participating seniors are asked to wear their school caps and gowns.

Last year's ceremony attracted 200 graduates. Sponsors of this year's event are hoping that a larger percentage of the 800 public school seniors participate.

by CNB