The Houston Ministerial Alliance is putting a new twist on a traditional event with hopes of bringing more excitement and participation to its celebration of the graduating seniors.
The 2024 Houston High School Baccalaureate has been announced for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, inside Tiger Fieldhouse. The event is expected to last about one hour.
While it’s baccalaureate by name, organizers said the event will hardly resemble the traditional approach for the night. Among the changes for this year’s version are announcements of each senior individually with lights, smoke and music. Instead of a choir or band, there will be upbeat praise music. And graduates, who in years past have worn caps and gowns, will instead wear custom T-shirts provided by the Alliance that feature their class motto.
Pastor Bill Villapiano, a member of the Alliance and one of the event organizers, said school clubs and teams as well as family members, friends and churches are encouraged to make signs, bring noisemakers and join the celebration of this year’s seniors.
“Our theme is ‘Baccalaureate Like You’ve Never Seen Before,'” Villapiano said. “It will be a completely new approach to a longstanding and valued event the Alliance proudly hosts for our graduating seniors. We’re inviting the community to join us as we make a lot of noise, let loose plenty of applause and join our faith together to ask God’s blessings on their lives and futures.”
This year’s featured speaker is HHS graduate Joel Childers, who pastors Glidewell Baptist Church in Springfield. Childers set the school records in the one and two-mile at Houston. Those marks still stand.
After the event, a reception will be held for seniors featuring a light meal. There will also be a photo booth in the lobby for the seniors, friends and family.