Rural Hopkins County Schools Host
Baccalaureate Services for Graduates, Sunday Night

 

by: Bobby McDonald

 

 

 

Most of the rural schools in Hopkins County hosted the traditional baccalaureate services on Sunday night, for the class of 2010, a time for spiritual guidance and words of encouragement for life's journey.

We attended the services held in Sulphur Bluff for the graduates at Sulphur Bluff Baptist Church, where seniors entered the sanctuary in their gowns to a processional and were introduced to parents, friends, and classmates. An invocation was offered by School Board President Terry Goldsmith and a number of religious songs were presented during a period of congregational singing.

 

 

Sunday night's speaker was Sulphur Bluff High School Graduate, Bo Potts, who announced that it had been approximately 25 years since he sat in the chairs that the graduates were occupying and you would have never told him then, that he'd be before the group delivering an address to future graduates. "It hasn't been so long that I have forgotten the mixed emotions that are running through your minds!" declared Potts. "Most of you are excited about being finished with semester exams, some curfews, and loads of other things that have seemed so important during your high school careers; however, most of you are somewhat apprehensive about the future and what you are going to do with the rest of your life!"

 

 

 

"But, you have the ability to go out into the world with a worry-free life, if you will but follow the messages that God provides for you in His word," continued Potts. "Many claim the days spent in high school are the best days of your life, but I'm here to tell you that isn't so. With God on your side and directing your life, the best of your life is surely ahead of you! I challenge each of you to accept his promises and live a worry-free life!"

 

Bo Potts, a graduate of Sulphur Bluff High School, was Sunday night's speaker
at Sulphur Bluff's Baccalaureate Services.

 

"The Bible is the pathway to that kind of life and it is free for the taking!" exclaimed Potts. " What defines you in life is not your job, not some kind of title, or how much money you are going to make! It's the kind of person you are and the character and integrity that you live life with each day!"

 

 

 

 

Potts told the story of Abram, in Genesis 12, who accepted God's promise and went to a foreign land, to make a great nation. By having faith in God and serving him obediently, Abram was blessed beyond all imagination. "God has big plans for each of you!" declared Potts. "It's all about serving him and serving others, as you walk the pathway of life, and each day will be the best of your life!"

 

 

Junior ushers for Sunday night's event in Sulphur Bluff were junior students, Coltin Argenbright and Hayley Lawson. Special music was provided by senior class member, Jaime Formoso.

Following Sunday night's service, a reception was held in the Sulphur Bluff Community Center, honoring the class of 2010.

 

 

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