BCHS Class of 2025 Baccalaureate Service-An Old Tradition Made New

Tue, 05/20/2025 - 3:21pm — Diane Dyer

photo and story by Kaitlin Harrison, Beech Tree News

On Sunday, May 18th, the Butler County High School Class of 2025 made history by bringing back the longstanding tradition of a Baccalaureate Service. These services were held regularly for Butler County High School graduates until 1991 when the service was phased out due to concerns surrounding the separation of church and state. Sunday's service would stand as the first since the turn of the century.

The service featured songs by the BCHS senior class chamber choir, a Benediction by BCHS principal Mr. Stoye Young, Teacher Remarks by BCHS history teacher Mr. Dennis Robbins and the Baccalaureate Address delivered by Pastor Tanner Maple, Crossland Community Church Youth Pastor.

The Baccalaureate Service is non-denominational, not affiliated with any specific religious group or the school district, and is entirely organized by the community. Its purpose is to support and celebrate Butler County’s graduating seniors in a respectful, spiritual context. The event is open and inclusive to all, regardless of religious background or beliefs.

Belmont General Baptist Church was the host church for the event and live streamed the event via the church's Youtube and Facebook pages.

The service was led by senior class student council members Maggie Childers, Blake Bratcher, Maggie Drake and Lydia Brown. The service was organized by Kaitlin Harrison, community member and Nutrition Director for Butler County Schools, and the Baccalaureate Service parent committee which included Stacy Rice, Ellie Harbaugh, Kelly Bratcher, Jennifer Brown, Amy Hood Waddle, Shanna Drake, Andrea Childers, Rachel Phelps and Amanda Taylor.

The Baccalaureate Service committee was very pleased with nearly 50 graduates and around 250 people in attendance for the first service in over 30 years. A new committee will be formed for the Class of 2026 as plans are to continue to provide this meaningful tradition for future classes and generations.

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