Baccalaureate

I suspect that it is not a huge surprise to those of you who follow my blog with any level of consistency that any activity or accomplishment that “my” students are a part of is something that brings me great pride and excitement. Reaching the end of the school year and all of the graduation related festivities are among some of the most special moments for high school students and their families.

In my opinion, graduation weekend truly kicks off each year with the Baccalaureate service. Held annually at a local church, this activity is sponsored by the Activity Club and celebrates the accomplishments of the WKHS seniors, honors the impact they have left on the school and community, and wishes the seniors good luck as they move on in life toward the exciting activities and adventures ahead.

As a part of the inspirational service, one of my students, Naomi Barker, put together the photo slide show which was so fun to see.  It is amazing to look at the baby pictures and the pictures of each senior now and think about how far you have come and all you have been through.  Add in the fact that the video was to music and it was a special part of the ceremony.  Additionally, the parents of one of my students, Kelly Baumgardner, (mom of Sean) was the parent speaker and she gave a wonderful and touching talk!  I loved what she shared and wondered how many seniors thought to themselves, "wait, I've heard Miss Abbott use that quote too" when she quoted Steven Furtick about we compare our behind the scenes with other people's highlight reels.  Very true and a wonderful message from a passionate, caring and dedicated mom.

Throughout the service I am confident in saying that I was not alone in thinking of special moments and memories with the seniors and offering up prayers of gratitude for the people you are today and the impact you will make on this world in the future! I wish all of you the best and hope that this was just the start of a wonderful and memorable weekend.