The Baccalaureate service opened with Sarah Asaya playing a viola prelude, “Thank You, Lord.” Then Erik Calhoun read two scriptures, setting the tone for the service, offering advice for the graduates going forward in their lives. First, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2), and “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). The youth choir sang “Blessed Be Your Name,” with soloist Julia Moberg.

The rest of the service included musical selections and testimonies from some of the fifteen graduates. Ty Mom began with a violin solo, playing “Sarabande in G Minor.” Julia Moberg sang “Apres Un Reve,” Carter Luka played a bassoon solo, “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship,” and Josh Friesen played a trumpet solo, “Concert Piece No. 1, Opus 11.” All four musicians have amazing talent, and it was encouraging to see them each using it for the Lord.

Ariah Piper thanked God for saving and sanctifying her at youth camp when she was going into the sixth grade. She said God has made a big difference in her life. He took her from being a shy child who had difficulty even greeting people to one who does public speaking. He also helped her choose a college and career path. She said her goal is to walk in His ways.

Ethan Baros, a college graduate, testified that he was saved when he was very young, on the car ride going home from camp meeting. He told of God guiding him into his academic path of studying engineering and physics. Ethan recounted looking at a sky and marveling at God’s creation, wanting to learn more about it. He appreciated how God helped him pursue his interests in a way that can bring Him glory.

Aaron Hoskin testified about how he started his academic life with different plans. God guided him away from culinary school, the presidency, and eventual Caribbean retirement and instead toward a goal of teaching history. The Lord has provided a job at an elementary school, helping him develop confidence.

Claire Moberg reflected on how God has worked in her life. Going into high school she wanted a particular plan but couldn’t get into the class that she needed. She ended up choosing something different, which led to an internship and an unanticipated path that she realized was better. She appreciated that God always knows what is ahead and has the perfect plan.

Mackenzie Ewers thanked God for saving her at age seven, and sanctifying and baptizing her at age sixteen. She said these experiences laid a foundation for her faith, which carried her through the challenges of nursing school. In the first year, she prayed for a good score on a crucial test and God helped her do better than expected. She has learned to trust all things to Him, including her future.

Finally, all the graduates were recognized, one by one, with photos and an overview of their accomplishments and their future plans. Afterwards, the graduates, families, and all the congregation gathered in the Fellowship Lodge for a dessert of deep-fried ice cream.