The Baccalaureate Service has been one piece of the graduation “rite of passage” since the 15th century, though what constitutes a “Baccalaureate Service” has changed radically over the years. Some changes are arguably for the better, but others threaten to cause the Baccalaureate to retire into insignificance.
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
Traditionally the Baccalaureate Service was presented entirely in Latin. Now most are held in English. Since “plerique non loqui latine” (translation: most people don’t speak Latin) the change to English appears to be an improvement. Certainly it makes the service more relevant.
Another radical change to the Baccalaureate occurred in 1995. Recognizing that freedom of religion is one of our most precious liberties (it’s in the FIRST amendment!) President Clinton asked his Secretary of Education Richard Riley to send guidelines to all public schools helping them to distinguish between what they could and could not do in terms of balancing non establishment of religion with the free exercise of religion.
One example where this document sought clarity was around school prayer. Students are allowed to pray in school, but schools are not allowed to tell children to pray. Students are allowed to share their faith in a nondisruptive manner, just as they are allowed to share their politics, but they may not single out any student or group to speak against; politics or religion, in a school setting that is harassment. In regards to Baccalaureate Services the 1995 Memorandum said that school officials could neither organize nor mandate a Baccalaureate. The document did nothing to prevent students and parents from doing so, but due to the fear of being sued, many schools simply stopped the practice altogether rather than passing the baton on to the parents, students and their communities. In schools where Baccalaureates are still planned they must be planned by parents, students and/or communities. They are to be given equal freedom as other groups for example Sober Grad Night, Sr. Trip and other parent led committees.
WHAT REMAINS THE SAME?
As President Clinton commented in the 1998 update for the guidelines, “…Schools do more than train children’s minds. They also help to nurture their souls by reinforcing the values they learn at home and in their communities. I believe that one of the best ways we can help out schools to do this is by supporting students’ rights to voluntarily practice their religious beliefs, including prayer in schools…. For more than 200 years, the First Amendment has protected our religious freedom and allowed many faiths to flourish in our homes, in our work place and in our schools. Clearly understood and sensibly applied, it works.”
WHAT NEXT?
The school plans the graduation service. It is an ending signifying the attainment of academic achievement as defined by the various Boards of Education. In observance students are given a diploma. Baccalaureate is a beginning, it is the sending forth of the graduate with the blessing of their community. Students are given no diploma but instead are issued a challenge. As George Washington said, “Happiness and moral duty are inseparable.”
The Baccalaureate Service is our opportunity to bless our youth with the challenge, “Graduates, if you are to find happiness in the world you now venture out into, you must be morally grounded.” Clear Lake High School Graduating class of 2016 — you do not have to attend this year’s Baccalaureate Service. Parents, neither do you. But you are all welcome! None are excluded. This year’s Baccalaureate Service will be held Sunday, May 22 at the Church of Latter Days Saints on 16th ST. in Lakeport at 6 p.m.
Students are invited to wear their cap and gowns. Light refreshments will be served following the service.
Rev. Shannon Kimbell-Auth is the President of the Lake Ministerial Association and one of this years Baccalaureate speakers. For more information please call United Christian Parish at 263-4788.
