I was unfamiliar with this concept, but apparently the baccalaureate is a traditional celebration of high school graduation. The one in Hanover has been happening for 30 or 40 years. This year’s program had a mix of song, poetry and inspirational talks.
We were greeted by Ethan’s polished Chopin, which he plays easily from memory. This was followed by an appropriate song “May I Suggest” by Eleanor, Anjali and Grace, three of the stars of the high school choral program. The selected hymns were familiar, which was a nice change. The short talks, especially by Mark, Denise, Anant and Margaret’s “Namaste”, were effective. I’m not so sure about Rob’s religion theme, but I did chuckle at his “None” / “Nun” joke (referring to choice of religion at college).
The last song was the parent choir, which included a mix of experienced and (trembling) neophyte singers.
The ceremony ended with a lighting of the candles. Two teachers started with lit candles, on each side of the hall, with students lining the wall. The teachers each lit the candle of the next student in line, passing on the light of knowledge, and this proceeded until all candles were lit. The students then walked outside with their candles lit.