THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, May 21, 1995 TAG: 9505190194
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ERIC FEBER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
The tradition of high school baccalaureate services continues in Chesapeake, thanks to a group of concerned churches, individuals and student volunteers.
Private baccalaureate services have been held here the past two years, after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling forbade government-sponsored religious ceremonies at schools.
The private services are popular, according to Rosalie Barnett, president of the Chesapeake Baccalaureate Ministry Support Group, but funds are needed.
``The last two years we held the ceremonies we generally got about two-thirds attendance from the seniors,'' Barnett said. ``That's better than when the event was part of the official school program. We find the seniors want this ceremony. They feel it's an integral part of the entire graduation ceremony.''
But since the services no longer receive sanction or funds from the schools or from any kind of local, state or federal sources, money is needed to help stage the ceremonies.
``Now we have to pay for everything, including the rental of the school auditorium,'' she said. ``Everything we do is privately funded.''
``It's the community churches near each school, student volunteers and private individuals who help us plan and carry out the services,'' Barnett added.
Each school has a volunteer committee of students who plan the service at meetings held after school and away from school grounds.
``It has been phenomenal seeing all of these kids pull together,'' she said. ``They put together wonderful services. Cameras and Kleenex are common at these ceremonies.''
During the planning meetings, the committees make contacts to round up speakers, plan the program, find the music and do all the postage and labeling of invitations and fliers.
``Just renting the auditoriums for all five schools will cost $1,000,'' Barnett said. ``Then there's postage for the invitations and fliers and money needed to print the invitations and programs.''
The ceremonies will not be alike, Barnett said.
``They satisfy each community's picture of what a baccalaureate service should be. Each will be unique and each will be dynamic. Parents are totally impressed with all of the school services.''
These ceremonies have been revived to offer the graduating seniors another chance to bond together.
``The seniors march in with their friends, and it gives them another opportunity to wear their cap and gown and sit together as friends,'' Barnett said. ``I watch these kids sit together, and there's a hugging closeness. After graduation, they'll all go their separate ways. The next time they see each other may be at their 10-year high school reunion.''
She also said the ceremonies offer the graduating seniors a chance to reflect on their lives and what's ahead. It's a time to let these students know they are not alone.
``We want to leave them with a tangible message that they are facing a serious world and facing serious situations that they can meet with the help of God and their saviour, Jesus Christ,'' Barnett said.
The Chesapeake Baccalaureate Ministry Support Group includes Barnett as president; the Rev. Paul Moore as chairman emeritus; City Councilman W. Joe Newman as financial adviser; Shirley Forbes as publicity chairman; and City Councilman Peter P. Duda Jr. as general adviser.
Bibles and a school bookmark will be given away as gifts to all participating seniors, courtesy of Gideons International.
``The baccalaureate service is here to stay in Chesapeake,'' Barnett said, ``if the community, area churches, businesses and individuals come out and support it.'' MEMO: A meeting of the Chesapeake Baccalaureate Ministry Support Group will
take place at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Woodland Baptist Church, 529
Providence Road. More information is available by calling 482-9182.
Donations may be made by sending checks payable to the Chesapeake
Baccalaureate Ministry Support Group to P.O. Box 16234, Chesapeake, Va.,
23328-6234. Each check should note which service is being supported.
by CNB