Oskaloosa Baccalaureate 2011
Students, Staff and Parents at the 2011 Oskaloosa Baccalaureate
Youth for Christ and other area youth leaders helped to guide area students with the presentation of the Baccalaureate Ceremony that ran from 11:00 a.m. to Noon on May 21st.
Students, parents and others filed into the gymnasium of OHS for the 2011 service presented by the students.
For those unfamiliar with Baccalaureate, it’s a traditional non-denominational service that dates back centuries where students and staff reflect on students achievements, give advice, and enjoy music performances. An invited speaker will many times be the main portion of the event, where they will give an inspirational story about life.
Doug Mills, with the local Youth for Christ, says that they “really pushed the student leadership element.” “This is about the students, it’s kind of their last moment to come together and give glory to God and I’m going to let them run the show.” Mills said of the days service.
Mills says that just a few adults were in the background of the planning and preparation of the day’s service. “They do it all” Mills said of the students leading and participating. After the absence of the baccalaureate for over a decade, about 8 years ago a local youth pastor brought the idea back to life for the community.
With the aid of the youth leaders “We make this happen so the students can say, ‘We want God to be part of not only our graduation, but the rest of our lives and this is our way of celebrating God as we move on into adulthood and pursue our adult goals.'” Mills went on to say about helping the local youth and the students work into making the day happen.
Emory White, who was helping out today’s baccalaureate as a worship leader, said, “God blessed me with this talent to sing and do music.” The Oskaloosa High School Senior wanted to share his talents with a guitar with those in attendance on Saturday. White, who attends the First Assembly of God in Oskaloosa, also participates in the youth worship band there as well. “I’m going to college to hopefully use my gifts for God and music.” White had to say of his plans after his time at OHS.
Graduation Ceremony is set for Today, Sunday May 22nd, 2011 at 2:00 in the OHS gymnasium.
