Wednesday, Jun. 16, 2010

Chowchilla Union High School hosts baccalaureate service

In keeping with tradition, Chowchilla Union High School graduates had the opportunity to attend a Baccalaureate Service on Wednesday, May 26. The service was held at the CUHS Multi-Purpose Room.

Graduating seniors entered the building dressed in red and white caps and gowns to music played by CUHS Band Director Allen Spencer.

CUHS Principal Fred Cogan welcomed the graduates and guests. He introduced the Board of Trustees, Superintended Ron Seals and other special guests.

The Welcome Address was given by Pastor J.R. Carpenter of the Chowchilla Church of Christ.

"We are here tonight to honor you," Carpenter stated. "We are extremely proud of each of you;"

Carpenter gave the graduates some tips as they begin the next leg of their journey. The first was Faithfulness. "You are here tonight because you have been faithful to yourselves," he stated. He reminded the students to be faithful to those who have helped them. He talked about gentleness and integrity and how using these three key characters will lead them to prosperity.

Pastor Chad Buttrey of Chowchilla Family Worship Center gave the message and inspirational reading. Buttrey began by saying the best way to get a teenagers attention is to give away money. He asked if there was any among the graduates that was in attendance that was not present to get a scholarship. After a quite moment, one hand was raised. Buttrey called him forward and gave him a $100 bill.

"My prayer for each of you is that you make the best of you lives," he stated. Buttrey read Heb. 4:12. He told the students that they would not want to go through life without theWord of God. He shared some statistics of teenagers in today's world. Buttrey challenged the graduates to go out and do their best. "Don't exchange things for values," he noted. "Keep the Word close."

Buttrey told the seniors not to be followers, instead to choose wisely. He closed with a prayer for the Class of 2010.

The closing remarks were given by Mac Hill of Life Change. Hill began by talking about senoritas. "It is a real disease," he said. "June 4 is really coming."

Hill encouraged the graduates to celebrate responsibly, but celebrate. Hill said to think of all the teachers, bus trips, homework and other school activities. "This is a check point. The race doesn't end until you take that last breath," Hill stated. "God has a plan for you. Each of you has a purpose." Hill pointed out that some of the class already knew where they were directed and others were still searching. "God will be with you," he stated. "Celebrate, this is just the beginning!"