Baccalaureate services conducted for IHS Class of 2012

Anne Sutherland Posted May 23, 2012 12:00pm Italy High School

Image: Alex DeMoss, Isaac Medrano and Brandon Souder get ready for the Baccalaureate services at First Baptist Church on Sunday. — Alex DeMoss, Isaac Medrano and Brandon Souder get ready for the Baccalaureate services at First Baptist Church on Sunday. (Anne Sutherland)

In continuing with tradition at Italy High School, the Class of 2012 was honored by the Italy School Board, Administration and the Italy Ministerial Alliance on Sunday night at First Baptist Church.

After the graduates marched into the sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Italy on Sunday, the pastor of Family Fellowship, Bill Morgan, welcomed the seniors. Pastor Morgan explained the IMA would give each graduate a Bible as they are honored, which is the standard to which each should conduct their lives. He also spiritually challenged the group to keep learning and reading from the Bible.

Paul Cockerham, member of the Italy School Board and First Baptist Church member as well, also welcomed the Class of 2012, proclaiming they had met all the requirements to graduate.

Assistant Pastor from Mt. Zion AME, Jeanadair Jordon, gave a moving prayer and blessing to the new graduates.

Pastor Ronnie Dabney addressed the seniors, “Life is the greatest classroom and you are always a student, no matter how old you are.” Quoting a scripture from Romans, Pastor Dabney said, “You may be going through a transition period but ask yourself, ‘What would God do with me?’”

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. NIV

The Pastor gave 3 lessons to take with them:

Learn from life and the mistakes you made
Learn what has real value
Learn who God is

Pastor Preston Dixon from Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, reminded the seniors, “Life has just begun” and gave the group suggested reading from 2 Timothy 2:15 before he dismissed. A reception followed in the fellowship hall.

Bailey Bumpus, Ethan Saxon, Kyle Jackson and Kaitlyn Rossa take a minute for a photo before the services. (Anne Sutherland)

Pastor Ronnie Dabney and Pastor Bill Morgan visit before the service begins. (Anne Sutherland)

Here come the graduates to the march Pomp and Circumstance. (Anne Sutherland)

Omar Estrada gives “thumbs up” for graduation. (Anne Sutherland)

The Class of 2012 listen intently to the speakers at the Baccalaureate service. (Anne Sutherland)

Italy Ministerial Alliance hosted the Baccalaureate and is the umbrella in which the local churches serve. The group performing is dancing a “Praise Dance” and they are from Mt. Gilead Missionary Baptist Church. (Anne Sutherland)

Pastor Ronnie Dabney explains that God wants to work with each graduate. (Anne Sutherland)

Youth Pastor from Central Baptist Church, Jeremy Beggs, offers a Bible to senior Larry Mayberry. (Anne Sutherland)

Isaac Medrano also receives a Bible. (Anne Sutherland)

The youth from First Baptist Church along with leader, Amber Droll, offered song as a gift for the graduating class. (Anne Sutherland)

Pastor Preston Dixon of Mt. Gilead offered a prayer and a blessing for the seniors. (Anne Sutherland)

As the graduation class leaves the sanctuary, they realize they are one step closer to beginning their new lives. (Anne Sutherland)

Sa’Kendra Norwood and Juan Perez make their way to the fellowship hall. (Anne Sutherland)

Class Valedictorian, Megan Richards and mom, Tina, take a moment for a picture afterwards. (Anne Sutherland)

Ross and Mark Stiles take a photo together afterwards. (Anne Sutherland)

A fine reception was offered to the graduates and their friends and family. (Anne Sutherland)