A baccalaureate ceremony is a celebration held to honor a graduating class from a high school, college, or middle school. Traditionally, it is a religious or spiritual service, often Christian-based, but many modern ceremonies are non-denominational or interfaith to reflect diverse beliefs
. This ceremony usually takes place a few days before the official graduation or commencement. It offers a smaller, more intimate setting for graduates and their families to pause, reflect on their academic journey, and celebrate achievements and perseverance. The event typically includes speeches by community leaders, faculty, students, or religious figures, as well as musical performances, readings, and other artistic expressions
. Historically, the baccalaureate service dates back to the 15th century at the University of Oxford, where students were required to deliver sermons as part of their graduation requirements. In the U.S., the tradition evolved into a separate event from commencement, often held off school grounds, especially in public schools due to legal considerations about separation of church and state
. In summary, a baccalaureate ceremony is:
- A pre-graduation event honoring graduates
- Often spiritual or reflective but can be non-religious
- Includes speeches, music, and readings
- Provides a meaningful moment of reflection before the formal graduation
It is distinct from the commencement ceremony, which is typically larger and more formal. The baccalaureate focuses more on reflection, blessing, and community support as graduates transition to the next phase of life
