Graduates celebrated at Baccalaureate

RITZVILLE – Pianist Amy Galbreath played "Pomp and Circumstance" as 20 graduates wearing robes of red and black walked down the center aisle Thursday, June 1.

The attendees - most of this year's Lind-Ritzville High School graduating class of 25 students - took their seats at the front of the Ritzville Foursquare Church for the annual Baccalaureate service.

"Baccalaureate" was coined in the 1600s to describe a farewell sermon to graduates earning bachelor degrees from colleges in England. Its definition has since broadened to include similar ceremonies for high school students in churches throughout the U.S.

Ritzville Church of the Nazarene Ryo Olson started the event, greeted the graduates and prayed.

A four-person worship team then sang two contemporary Christian songs, "Build My Life" and "Waymaker," emphasizing God's work and guidance.

Lind Calvary Assembly of God Pastor Steve Schofstoll was up next.

He read from Psalm 1, a passage that encouraged "meditating on the law of the Lord."

He summarized the nature of the Bible and exhorted graduates to implement its timeless principles.

Foursquare pastor Bill Cox presented the keynote sermon, also drawing from the text of Psalm 1.

In addition to his work as a pastor of two local churches, Cox also drives a school bus. In that capacity he's become familiar with many of the graduates.

"I'm privileged to be here tonight to stand and encourage you," he said.

Graduates chuckled as he continued: "In the past when I stood and talked to you, it was to tell you about the exits on the bus - one in the back, one on each side, two in the roof and the main one up front."

He then quoted Henry Ford: "Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably why so few people engage in it."

"In our fast-paced world, we often don't take time to really contemplate what we're doing. God wants us to be successful, and he tells us how to do it - by meditating on his word." Cox encouraged graduates to learn how to think, and to document their thoughts and goals in writing.

After the sermon, Dennis Sackmann spoke briefly about the work of Gideons International and its mission of evangelism and Bible distribution.

Kim Schofstoll then called each graduate to receive a gift Bible and instructional book from Gideon Jerry Snyder and Pastor Nathaneil Christman of Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

"I've been a substitute teacher for many of you since you were very little, some for 12 years, others for just a couple of years," Mrs. Schofstoll said. "It's a very special class and I'm glad you are here tonight."

The worship team sang a final song, "The Blessing," proclaiming God's favor on the graduates. Pastor Bryce Miller of the Menno Mennonite Church concluded the service with a final prayer.

Throughout the ceremony, graduates remained respectful and attentive, and afterward many thanked the ministerial team for the encouragement.

The hour-long service concluded with graduates, family and friends meeting in the church basement for cookies, pastries and conversation.