Baccalaureate ceremony puts students closer to graduation

In an annual rite of spring, members of the 2005 graduating class of Central High School gathered Sunday at La Croix United Methodist Church for the baccalaureate ceremony.

Central's principal, Dr. Michael Cowan, gave the welcome after the Cape Central Orchestra ushered the graduates in with "Pomp and Circumstance." The following prayers focused on ending the war on terror and guiding graduates to make a lasting contribution to the world. The Cape Central Chamber Choir performed, and a band featuring students Aaron Shupert, Blake Kiefner, Ryan Ponder and Blake Tenkhoff performed an original song, "We'll All Fly Away."

The Rev. Ron Watts spoke about his "Me Generation," and how he hoped the students' "Millennial Generation" would do more to give back to the world, God and the church. His message warned against egoism and materialism, and he urged students to "aim for servanthood to achieve greatness."

Message to class of '05

Watts followed a slide show of photos from Sept. 11, 2001, and the Iraqi war to demonstrate what a hero is with a challenge to the students that for six months, they take every opportunity they have to serve.

Caprice Thomas, member of the graduating class, thought the ceremony was "well-organized."

She said: "It was a good message to give us as we're going out into the world. I enjoyed seeing the seniors singing in choir and playing in the band."

Fellow graduating student Aaron Hutsell agreed. "I thought it was awesome. It puts a whole new perspective on going out into the real world, how to think about things. I got some good advice."

Some of the seniors were just happy to be together. "It was a good chance to see each other, get us all together before we have to leave each other," said senior Gabe Edwards.

"After it's over, it's over."

nstanfield@semissourian.com

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