Zion Benton Township High School’s
Baccalaureate Service 2009

ZB seniors are nearing the end of their high school careers.  ZB graduates final days are typically marked with various rituals, from award ceremonies, to athletic luncheons, exams, and of course the graduation service.  Traditionally, these ceremonies are designed to celebrate the achievements of students throughout their time in high school. These services offer times of reflection and direction for the gradates, and are greatly needed in order for the families and faculty to effectively communicate to the graduates their successes and usher students into young adulthood.

This year’s Baccalaureate service, on Sunday May 17, held at Christ Community Church, in Zion, kept all the chief elements of a proper high school farewell, while allowing the Christian church to present an inspirational challenge, in addition to showing their deep appreciation and accolades to the graduates and their families.  Baccalaureate as defined by dictionary.com is: “A farewell address in the form of a sermon delivered to a graduating class.”  However, this year’s Baccalaureate offered so much more. 

The service began with a welcome by Matt McClane, of North Pointe Community Church on behalf of surrounding churches, followed by musical selections from the ZB Choir.  Graduating class leaders made various addresses.  Brandon Grant from Eastview Christian Church delivered a powerful message challenging graduates to tenaciously endure difficult times with the hope of greater things to come.  Select graduating ZB students lead the students in a time of spirited song, while Leo Barnes, of CCC, closed the event in prayer.  The combination of students and community leaders working together to bring about this year’s Baccalaureate service served as a powerful picture of true cooperation and communion.

Baccalaureate 09 was a sincere community event.  Area youth pastors in concert with the Zion Benton Ministerial Association and Zion Benton Township High school faculty planned and facilitated the event with great care.  Volunteers from First Baptist Church of Winthrop Harbor prepared a hearty cookout for the graduates directly after the Baccalaureate service at Shiloh Park.  The meal consisted of: burgers (with the works), hotdogs, brats, chips, pop, and cookies made by the ladies of FBCWH.  Ed Ambrose, owner of Centrella Harbor Foods, in Winthrop Harbor, made a sizable donation of hotdogs, brats, and hamburgers in order to serve his community and acknowledge ZB graduate’s achievements.  In addition, John Warren, of Ace Hardware, in Zion, donated several bags of charcoal to prepare the food for the graduates.  Without a doubt, Caring, involved, citizens and community leaders, are the reason for this year’s successful Baccalaureate.

Baccalaureate is a Zion tradition.  However, this tradition isn’t one that will be remembered simply as, one of the many graduating ceremonies students must attend, but, rather as one that presents a relevant challenge and celebration for all who participate.  Or, as Jeff Pitts, of Trinity Christian Center, puts it: “Baccalaureate is a real blessing.”

Dr. Michael Brown, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Winthrop Harbor presenting a certificate of appreciation to Ron Warren of Ace Hardware in Zion and Ed Ambrose of Harbor Foods/Centrella For their donation to the Baccalaureate cook-out after service.

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