What about...Baccalaureate?

By: Bella Dalba

     The seniors' last day - an event that is well understood. Baccalaureate? Not so much.

Baccalaureate is a centuries-old religious graduation tradition that started in England; in the United States, however, the term generally refers to a ceremony held a few days before high school or college graduation. Such events usually celebrate completion of higher education, and, in most cases, the service consists of a series of speeches given to the graduating class, often by key students, faculty, or other important figures. “I spoke at the baccalaureate ceremony for the class of 2014. It’s a wonderful way to honor the students whom you have watched grow: both as people and academics,” says Clarry Hubbard, an AP English teacher at Seckman Senior High School. 

     At religious private schools, this ceremony typically includes a benediction and sermon. But what about public schools? It is a fundamental principle of Establishment Clause jurisprudence that a public school may not advance, prefer or promote religion. Because it is generally understood that a baccalaureate service is a religious event, a public school may not be involved in the organization or execution of a baccalaureate in any way that would make an objective observer believe that the school is endorsing the event. 

     As such, a public school baccalaureate has become a non-denominational service that typically features student and faculty speakers. Some schools have renamed the event a "Day of Reflection," to avoid any religious connotations. Sarah Dempsey, a senior at Seckman High School, really appreciates this consideration: “I really appreciate that they take all religious and spiritual beliefs into account. The worst feeling is knowing that you’re at an event where there’s only a certain group being honored.”

     Families usually dress up for this event, which typically runs an hour or more, and hold their graduation parties later the same day. Graduation day itself tends to be too full, and many schools begin their Grad Night festivities immediately after the diplomas have been distributed. “Who could handle hosting a graduation party on the same day as graduation? This is so convenient!” says Danielle Fleming, another senior at SHS.

     Unlike the massive commencement exercises held in stadiums or arenas, baccalaureate ceremonies offer a quieter, more intimate opportunity to pause and reflect on this rite of passage, hear faculty members offer advice to the graduating class, and enjoy students' musical talents.