“You can be bold, you can be brave, and you can be more than you ever thought you could be.”  ~Maumi Cannell-Chatterton

Graduation is right around the corner and seniors are counting down the days until they walk across the stage. For some, the last few weeks have been more stressful than ever; some were especially worried when graduates each received only four tickets for the Commencement ceremony.

For students who are worried about which family members will not be able to watch them receive their diploma, the senior class council advises they take advantage of the Baccalaureate ceremony on Monday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in the Greenspring gymnasium.

“The Baccalaureate ceremony is a religious, interdenominational ceremony that is more of a spiritual celebration of the graduates than anything else. It honors the completion of this phase in the student’s life, and celebrates the opening of the next,” said senior class council advisor, Maumi Cannell-Chatterton.

Every week during the academic year, the senior class council members meet and plan or discuss new topics, ideas and strategies. The first step in their plan for Baccalaureate was to create and design the banner that will hang, not only during the Baccalaureate ceremony, but throughout all Commencement events and activities as well. The rest of the plans are discussed once the banner is complete, for it serves as a focal point and is the center of the week’s festivities. This year’s banner theme, which was selected by the senior class, will read, “Be Bold. Be Brave. Be More.”

The ceremony will include nondenominational prayers, blessings, songs and readings. Chosen by the graduates and senior class council, this year’s celebrant is Dr. Alex Hooke, professor of philosophy. Nursing professor Laurel Moody will give the faculty reflection and senior Tori Eyler will provide the student reflection.

There is no limit to the number of guests graduates can bring. Students who are attending are asked to wear their cap, gown and cords to the event. The gymnasium will already have been decorated for Commencement, so photographs will be appropriate. Further information in regards to Baccalaureate and Commencement can be found online.