The baccalaureate service derives from the medieval European custom of presenting the candidates for the degree of Bachelor (bacca) with laurels (lauri) of sermonic oration. The Baccalaureate ceremony is a service of worship in celebration of and thanksgiving for lives dedicated to learning and wisdom.The service is believed to have originated at the University of Oxford in 1432 when each bachelor was required to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of the academic requirement. Because of United States Supreme Court rulings regarding the separation of church and state, baccalaureate services are not school-sponsored events at American public schools. Until recent years, school-sponsored baccalaureate services were common in American public schools and were even held on school grounds. Today, services are sponsored by and held in churches, off campus and are not paid for with any government funds.This Sunday, May 20th, the First Christian Church of Richland Springs will hold a Baccalaureate Service in honor of the Richland Springs Graduating Seniors of 2012. The service will begin at 6:00 p.m. and be followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. Coach Michael Brand and his wife, Amanda Brand, leaders of the Coyotes for Christ youth group, will deliver the message in an inter-faith service. Their message is entitled, “Your Faith, Your Future”. Valedictorian, Sara Hedley, will give a Response to the Welcome; Salutatorian, Kensie Green, will read the scripture, and Seniors will wear their caps and gowns for the first time. Graduating Seniors are: Jose Avila, Stormi Davee, Ashley Ferguson, Kensie Green, John Greenwood, Sara Hedley, Courtney Herbert, Nicolas Moore, Winston Poe, Wyatt Ramsey, Denim Reeves, Danny Tillery, Ben Van Cleave, and Tra Williams. Please join the RSHS Senior Class of 2012 for Baccalaureate this Sunday.