HISTORY OF MT. CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH BACCALAUREATE SERVICE

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Zoe Lawson
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Greetings to young people: As well as parents of young people, friends and observers of young people! The message for today and every day is simple: #younglivesmatter.

God places great value on young people that he implicitly reminds us all that if we were to harm or offend his children, it would be better if a millstone were hung about our necks and we were

It is through a child that God sent hope to the world, through children that God set expectations and through children that God taught lessons of love, trust, discipline, and obedience.

What is it that God wants us to know and do to serve Him, to serve them? Children, what is it that God wants from you? What is it that God is telling you to do?

Using the words of young Samuel say, Speak Lord your servant is listening. Hear God, trust God, and obey God!

In order for our children to do their part we must do our part. Let us not cast all of our children under the same light, they are all unique in the eyes of God.

2 Greetings to young people: As well as parents of young people, friends and observers of young people! The message for today and every day is simple: #younglivesmatter. We have to emphasize to our young people just how important they are and how their lives matter to us, to the kingdom, and to our Father. God places great value on young people that he implicitly reminds us all that if we were to harm or offend his children, it would be better if a millstone were hung about our necks and we were drowned in the depths of the sea. I know that this may seem extreme, but God also tells us that unless we be converted and become like them we shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. It is through a child that God sent hope to the world, through children that God set expectations and through children that God taught lessons of love, trust, discipline, and obedience. God loves children, listens to children, and he speaks through children. What is it that God is saying to us through the children we have in front of us here today? What is it that God wants us to know and do to serve Him, to serve them? Children, what is it that God wants from you? What is it that God is telling you to do? What does God want you to share with us? Listen carefully as you hear the voice and give the voice permission to speak to your soul. Using the words of young Samuel say, Speak Lord your servant is listening. Hear God, trust God, and obey God! If we all do our parts I can only imagine what we can do for the kingdom, what things might change. What would our ministries, budgets, classes, outreach, what would any of it begin to look like? What would life look like for us? I am not sure that I can answer that for you or for myself, all I do know is that there is a dying world that is waiting for our children to share their gifts that will save them. In order for our children to do their part we must do our part. Let us not cast all of our children under the same light, they are all unique in the eyes of God. We are all made in his triune image as Spirit and therefore change directions, volume, and force, as does the wind, but ever mindful of the wishes of the one who created the wind. Mount Calvary, God loves you, and He loves His children. Let us put aside every weight that might keep us from serving Him through His children, and serving His children by serving God. Let us serve our God and our children with renewed fervor and vigor, with renewed dedication and conviction, with a heart filled with love. Let us shout to the world that young people matter, not just through our words but also through our deeds. Today we celebrate our youth and we honor our graduates! Tomorrow let us continue to celebrate and honor our them in all of their endeavors knowing that our God will complete in them the work that he has already started! God loves you all with a warm, encompassing, and fierce love! Let us so love one another! Happy Youth Day, and Congratulations to our graduates! There is no other moment promised to you except this one right now, SEIZE IT, MAKE IT COUNT, MAKE SURE YOUR LIFE MATTERS! Youth Minister 2

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4 HISTORY OF MT. CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH BACCALAUREATE SERVICE The annual Baccalaureate Service, held the second Sunday in June (the original Children s Day) was birthed in the early 1980 s as a result of two Sunday School Teaching Staff, Rev. Hiawatha Fountain and Trustee Brenda Shelton, reminiscing about days of yore as they related to the significance of High School Graduation Festivities in the Black Schools. Both being from the South, Alabama and Texas, respectively, they discussed concern for the loss of cultural traditions and the need to resurrect some of those traditions held dear to the heart. Recognizing that many of our students were unfamiliar with the Baccalaureate, Rev. Fountain and Trustee Shelton agreed to pursue including the Baccalaureate as the culminating event for Mt. Calvary s Annual Youth Day. With the blessings of the Pastor, Rev. Houston G. Brooks, and the Sunday School, official sponsor, Deacon Audrey Hankinson Superintendent, the Baccalaureate Service became a reality. The Baccalaureate was the religious/spiritual service that preceded the Commencement Service and was viewed by many as more critical to the graduates. The Baccalaureate generally involved the school, the church, the family and the community. It was an inspirational service that was used to help launch the graduates into new horizons with blessings from all the institutions that had thus far helped to chart their paths through High School and influence the future direction of those paths. It did not matters if students would go to college, trade schools, the military, begin work careers, or get married, these institutions believed that the students needed spiritual guidance to see them through. They were adults, now responsible for managing their own time, making decisions about their social lives, the whole gamut associated with new found freedoms that could make or break them. Mt. Calvary has been instrumental in launching its High School Graduates into uncharted territory with its blessings for about 30 years. The initial service was focused on High School Graduates, but was later expanded to include College Graduates. Although Mt. Calvary hosted the Baccalaureate, it was open to other high School Graduates who wished to become a part of this experience. For several years, the Macedonia Baptist Church (Rev. Sterling King) High School Graduates and several students from the community, who were non-mt. Calvary members, participated in the Service. The program content was determined by Rev. Fountain and Trustee Shelton, Program Coordinators, with approval by the Pastor and Sunday School Superintendent, with a reception hosted by the Youth Ministry, Youth Director, Jennie Fleming. The Service was always inspirational and the Program Coordinators continually sought ways to improve the program content. For example, initially, the Service did not include Words of Wisdom from college students who had successfully completed at least the freshman year, or the Corporate Prayer for the Graduates and their Families. Our focus was on speakers who would address the need for spiritual guidance to help students when the going gets tough dealing with various issues associated with life away from the watchful eyes of the family, church, and community. This Service was not just for the College Bound. Our concern was not with the academics, as this was sure to be addressed during the Commencement. The Baccalaureate Service is currently sponsored by the Youth Ministry with considerable involvement from the Board of Christian Education and the Scholarship Committee. The focus is now on Mt. Calvary High School, College, and Post-Graduates. The important thing is that a tradition that was dear to the hearts of our forebears, Black High School Graduates, the Black School, the Church, and the Community continue to live on through the young people and ministries of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Mrs. Brenda Shelton Rev. Hiawatha B. Fountain, Ed. 4

5 Baccalaureate Service Call to Worship June 12 5:00 p.m. Processional Pomp and Circumstance 2016 Graduates Congregational Hymn Lift Him Up No. 420 Scripture Prayer Josiah Holmes Gaithersburg High School Christian Campbell Walter Johnson High School Welcome Presentation of Graduates Toni Walker Wootton High School Master s Degree, Undergraduate Degree, and High School Graduates Voice of Experience SENIOR PRESENTATION INTRODUCTION OF GUEST PREACHER Musical Selection Message to Graduates Scholarship and Gift Presentations Mt. Calvary Collegiate Scholarship Garland Davis Deacon Wilhelmina Bell-Taylor Strive Scholarship Madden/McAbee Kristin Ethel King Memorial Jonathan LaMar Boone Retirement Connection Scholarship Music Scholarship Mt. Calvary Sunday School Scholarship Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Prayer for Graduates & Their Families Benediction Chair BOCE, YMLT Jessica Moultrie East Carolina University Rev. Barry Moultrie Solo Joseph Julius Dillard, J.D. Howard University, School of Law Mr. and Mrs. LeCount Davis Mr. and Mrs. LeCount Davis Ms. Michelle Taylor Mr. and Mrs. James McAbee Minister Aaron King Mr. and Mrs. John Boone Mr. Henry Williams Mrs. Elsie Fleming Ms. Allison McKie BOCE Chair Clergy Clergy Please join us for a reception in the LGFLC-Multipurpose Room Immediately following the service. 5

6 Listening to the Message Listen to the message from God's word. Use this sheet to make some personal notes. Go back over them during the coming week. Let God crystallize His truths in your life Joseph Julius Dillard, J.D. Sunday, June 12, 2016 Message: Biblical Text: Main Ideas of the Sermon: Illustrations I Want to Remember: What Should I Do as a Result of Hearing this Sermon? 6

608 North Horner s Lane Rockville, MD 20850 Rev. Leon Grant, Pastor Rev. Dr. Lora F.

7 608 North Horner s Lane Rockville, MD Rev. Leon Grant, Pastor Rev. Dr. Lora F. Hargrove, Assistant Pastor Rev. Barry Moultrie, Youth Minister Brother Samuel Mason, Chair, Christian Education Ministry 7

8 Parents: Eggerton and Shari Campbell Favorite Scripture: Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:7 Favorite Church Memory: Going on morning jogs with Ms. Allison during the teen retreat. Awards/Accomplishments: 1. Minority Scholars Leadership Program 2. 3X Outdoor Track and Field MVP 3. Junior Deacon 4. Eight year Saxophone player Future Plans: Attend college at Duquesne University to study sociology and run track What advice would you like to give to the upcoming seniors here at Mt. Calvary? Through this time of major change it is important to keep your relationship with God and the church strong, it acts as an anchor to keep you grounded and not become overwhelmed 8

Parents: Gwendolyn and John Dewberry Favorite Scripture: Psalms 121 Favorite Church Memory: Staying up all night with my friends at this year s New Year s Lock-in Awards/Accomplishments: 1.

9 Parents: Gwendolyn and John Dewberry Favorite Scripture: Psalms 121 Favorite Church Memory: Staying up all night with my friends at this year s New Year s Lock-in Awards/Accomplishments: 1. Girl Scout Bronze Award (2010) 2. Girl Scout Silver Award (2011) 3. Nelly Bly Journalism Award (2013) 4. Physical Education Academic Excellence Award (2014) 5. Choir Academic Excellence Award (2014) 6. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Honorable Mention Electric Legs (2016) Future Plans: I am attending McDaniel College in the fall to study and receive a Bachelor's of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design. What advice would you like to give to the upcoming seniors here at Mt. Calvary? Be yourself. Do that thing that you ve always wanted to do that others might think is weird. Life is made for trying new things and making great memories. 9

10 Parents: Gary and Gayle Gabriel Favorite Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 Favorite Church Memory: Attending the Women s and Girls conference held at Mt. Calvary in 2011 Awards/Accomplishments: 1. AP Scholar 2. Girl Scout Silver Award 3. Nelly Bly Journalism Award (2013) 4. Social Studies National Honor Society 5. The National Honor Society of High School Scholars Future Plans: Starting this summer attending Hampton University. Majoring in business administration, with a concentration in finance, through Hampton s 5 year MBA Program. Then Law School to achieve career goal of becoming a corporate attorney. What advice would you like to give to the upcoming seniors here at Mt. Calvary? Work hard and don t give in to senioritis. Remember to do work that is pleasing to God. Also know as you go through all the stress and the decisions of senior year that God is the one who holds all of our hands through all things, and with God on our side everything will work together for good. 10

Josiah Holmes Gaithersburg High School Parents: Erikka and Robert LeGrand Jr. Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 Favorite Church Memory: Teen Retreat Awards/Accomplishments: 1.

11 Josiah Holmes Gaithersburg High School Parents: Erikka and Robert LeGrand Jr. Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:13 Favorite Church Memory: Teen Retreat Awards/Accomplishments: 1. African American Outstanding Academic Achievement Award 2. Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators Community Leader Award 3. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Issie Jenkins Scholarship Recipient Future Plans: I will be attending Stevenson University where I will major in Environmental Science and minor in Theatre. What advice would you like to give to the upcoming seniors here at Mt. Calvary? Do not give up or slack off, the end of the year is almost here. You just have a couple more weeks so stay strong. Also don t ever forget the reason why you got to where you are. Respect and thank your elders, parents, and God. 11

Howard Nicholson III Poolesville High School Parents: Howard and Sherrell Nicholson Favorite Scripture: Psalms 91:4 Favorite Church Memory: Having my family, friends, and church family to help me to

12 Howard Nicholson III Poolesville High School Parents: Howard and Sherrell Nicholson Favorite Scripture: Psalms 91:4 Favorite Church Memory: Having my family, friends, and church family to help me to remodel the third floor at the church to create a space for Teen Church and youth fellowship. Awards/Accomplishments: 1. Mount Calvary Baptist Church Bright Light Award 2. National ACTSO Bronze Medalist in Biology 3. Eagle Scout 4. President and Co-Founder of Poolesville Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, Jr. 5. Montgomery County Commission on Children and Youth, Youth Representative Future Plans: To attend the Meyehoff Scholars Program at UMBC majoring in Chemical Engineering with a Biology Track. I hope to become a successful Biomedical Engineer. What advice would you like to give to the upcoming seniors here at Mt. Calvary? I advise upcoming seniors to take advantage of all of the opportunities that comes their way and believe in their dreams and themselves. 12

Toni Walker Wooten High School Parents: Valerie Walker (Grandmother) and Anthony Walker (Father) Favorite Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:10 Favorite Church Memory: Working as a counselor at Summer Camp

13 Toni Walker Wooten High School Parents: Valerie Walker (Grandmother) and Anthony Walker (Father) Favorite Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:10 Favorite Church Memory: Working as a counselor at Summer Camp Awards/Accomplishments: 1. Accepted into University of Pennsylvania with scholarships/grants totaling up to $65,740 per year 2. Questbridge Scholarship Finalist 3. Pedram Tousi Hall of Fame Award (Most Prestigious Award at Wooten) 4. Montgomery County Alliance of Black School Educators Community Leader Award 5. James F. Baker Memorial Scholarship Future Plans: I plan to attend the University of Pennsylvania, majoring in Communications at the College of Arts and Sciences. What advice would you like to give to the upcoming seniors here at Mt. Calvary? I would advise that seniors truly learn to understand that God is in control and has a path that He has uniquely made for you. Your only job is to trust and praise Him. I know for sure that I couldn t have made it this far without Him and having Him to confide in throughout this journey has made seemingly insurmountable tasks quite easy. 13

Cameron Wilson Clarksburg High School Parents: Lynette Wilson Favorite Scripture: Romans 5:8 Favorite Church Memory: Easter egg hunts when I was younger and the Christmas Plays.

14 Cameron Wilson Clarksburg High School Parents: Lynette Wilson Favorite Scripture: Romans 5:8 Favorite Church Memory: Easter egg hunts when I was younger and the Christmas Plays. Awards/Accomplishments: 1. Barbazon Modeling School 2. Fashion Couture Model for Watkins Mill High School 3. Award for Outstanding Role Model for Fashion Couture Club 4. Step Team Member 5. Junior Deaconess at Mt. Calvary 6. Mistress of Ceremony for the Young Adult Activities at Mt. Calvary 7. Health and Wellness Committee Member at Mt. Calvary 8. Youth Planning Team Member 9. Reading Announcements for the Youth Services Future Plans: Paul Mitchell Cosmetology School Full Time, Montgomery College Part Time and then ultimately pursue a Masters in Business Administration focusing in Marketing. What advice would you like to give to the upcoming seniors here at Mt. Calvary? Learn how to listen, Be brave, Be grateful for the little things. Learn to say NO sometimes. Make your haters your motivators, and never change who you are. 14

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Trisha Barton Spelman College Degree: Bachelor of Arts Major: Psychology with concentrations in Art, Education, and Design Technology Parents: Mr. James & Mrs.

16 Trisha Barton Spelman College Degree: Bachelor of Arts Major: Psychology with concentrations in Art, Education, and Design Technology Parents: Mr. James & Mrs. Antionette Barton Achievements: Alpha Lambda Delta National Collegiate Scholars Psi Chi International Honor Society of Psychology Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Phi Beta Kappa Cum Laude Deans List Testimony: Even when the odds are against you, including yourself, if you go to the Lord and work through him you will prevail. Goals: In the fall, I will be attending Teacher s College, Columbia University in the Art and Art Education program to obtain my Masters of Education in administration and creative technologies. In the future, I aspire to be the CEO of my own company which will provide stress and productivity management programs for schools and businesses and develop aesthetically pleasing devices which focus on reducing environmental stress. 16

17 Brittany Jubray Freeman Howard University Degree: Bachelor Major: Economics Minor: Business Administration Parents: Mr. Wendell and Mrs. Valencia Freeman Testimony: I would like to start off by letting everyone know that without God this great accomplishment would not have been possible. I serve a God that even when I think I am at my lowest He picks me up and shows me my strengths and the capabilities he has blessed me with in order to accomplish my goals and biggest dreams. I began Howard University in the spring semester of 2012, not knowing exactly what I wanted to study. I found it extremely frustrating to take classes and not know the benefit that they would have on my life and career being that I had not decided on a major yet. I prayed to God for understanding and courage so that I could finally decide on a major that was best fitting for me. I knew deep down inside that I wanted to own my own business one day and most importantly I wanted to assist others in achieving happiness. I had helped assist with events for my family and conventions at my job, but I wanted to learn more than just hospitality management and event planning but how the world operates and how the fluctuating economy can have various effects on business owners. There it was, I decided to be an economics major and as difficult as I knew it would be, I knew the hard work and effort would provide me with the components I needed to become a future business owner and event coordinator. With God s grace and perfect timing, I completed my bachelor s degree in Economics at Howard University. I pray that my testimony can inspire someone else who may be discourage and not sure about the path that God has for them, just hold on to His hand and allow him to guide your footsteps, He will never let you down. Future Plans My future plans are to further my education, obtain my master s degree in marketing, further my experience with a reputable event coordinating company, become certified in hospitality management and finally open my own event coordinating business in the Washington Metropolitan area 17

Gara Christen Gabriel Towson University Degree: Bachelor of Science Major: Deaf Studies, Concentration in Human Services Parents: Dr. Gary and Mrs.

18 Gara Christen Gabriel Towson University Degree: Bachelor of Science Major: Deaf Studies, Concentration in Human Services Parents: Dr. Gary and Mrs. Gayle Gabriel Achievements: Dean s List 2016 Towson University Foundation Scholars; awarded as the Outstanding Student in the Deaf Studies Program Towson University s Women in Leadership Nominee Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society The National Society of the Collegiate Scholars Towson University Institutional Study Abroad Scholarship Recipient Testimony: God truly has been with me during my 4 years in college. Academically, it was not always easy due to my learning disability. However, by trusting in Him and being determined to do well, God blessed me by being awarded the Outstanding Student in the Deaf Studies Program of Towson University. I am thankful for the support of my loved ones and God s glory. Proverbs 3:5-6 states to "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths. During my college experience, I found it important to have faith, to trust in Him and to know He has everything planned for me. Future Plans: This fall, I will begin a Master of Arts program in Deaf Education and Elementary Education at Gallaudet University. It is my career goal to become a teacher for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and an American Sign Language Interpreter. 18

Catrina Aleece Johnson University of Maryland, Baltimore County Degrees: Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy Majors: Biological Sciences and Philosophy

19 Catrina Aleece Johnson University of Maryland, Baltimore County Degrees: Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences Bachelors of Arts in Philosophy Majors: Biological Sciences and Philosophy Parents: Deacon Alfred C. Johnson and Mrs. Shirley Coney- Johnson Achievements: Ronald E. McNair ScholarUMBC Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society Meyerhoff Scholar, UMBC National Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) Scholar Department of Energy (DOE) Scholar Future Plans: I will be attending the National Institute of Health Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA) Program in the National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases (NIAMS); then I will be applying to MD/PhD programs Testimony: I would not have accomplished anything during my undergraduate career without God. His guidance and grace has made these years of hard work and growth an experience I will cherish for years to come. I cannot thank God enough for what He has done and will continue to do in my life. 19

20 Lauren McKoy Howard University Degree: Bachelors Major: Computer Science Parents: Trustee Willie and Rev. Vera McKoy Future Goals: Lauren will be working as an IT consultant for IBM starting this August! Testimony: I am very excited about my future and all the wonderful things God has in store for my life! 20

21 2016 Advanced Degrees 21

22 Garyn Elise Gabriel Johns Hopkins University Degree: Master of Science Major: Educational Studies Parents: Dr. Gary and Mrs. Gayle Gabriel Achievements: Testimony: DC Teaching Fellow, Selected as a member of the first TNTP cohort at Johns Hopkins Jeremiah 29:11New Living Translation (NLT) - For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. I thank God for his guidance over the last 5 years. When I graduated from college, I did not have luck getting into law school and was uncertain of what I really wanted to do. God blessed me by putting me in the path of becoming a special education teacher in the undeserved schools of Washington D.C. It has been a tough journey, but God keeps me encouraged by showing me the impact that I make on my students. I recently received a message from a former (and very challenging) student, currently in high school. She expressed her gratitude for my dedication in helping her build her self-esteem and overall well-being when she felt that no one else cared or listened. As a result, she is an A student. Seeing my students with varied learning disabilities succeed, despite all of the doubt and misunderstanding that surrounds them is what inspires me to do this work. They keep me going! I pray that God continues to use and guide me. I know that He has great plans for me in the years to come. Future Plans: I am currently apply to doctoral programs. I plan to earn a doctorate in educational technology to help develop the use of technology 22

Vance Jones University of Maryland College Park Degree: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Certifications: State of MD Teaching Certificate Degree Parents: Mr. Marcus and Mrs.

23 Vance Jones University of Maryland College Park Degree: Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction Certifications: State of MD Teaching Certificate Degree Parents: Mr. Marcus and Mrs. Angela Jones Achievements: Graduate of the Creative Initiative in Teacher Education (CITE) program, an accelerated, 18-month master's partnership between the University of Maryland and Montgomery County Public Schools. Completed the program with a cumulative grade point average of 3.8 Future Plans: I will be a fourth grade teacher this fall at Christa McAuliffe Elementary in Germantown, MD. 23

24 Congratulations Class of 2016 #younglivesmatter 24

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

1 PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! I am so excited that we have the opportunity to celebrate our young people in a public and visible way. It should not be lost on us that there are many young