The Salisbury High School Class of 2016 held their annual Baccalaureate service at First Presbyterian Church of Allentown June 2.

The service was officiated by The Rev. Lori Esslinger, parent of a senior and pastor of Old Zionsville United Church of Christ.

Baccalaureate is organized by the students and the Salisbury Moms in Prayer group.

Pianist Sherry Deal provided music for the hymns and songs and First Presbyterian Church of Allentown provided the chapel for the service.

The planning committee consisted of Barbara Sikora, Julie Bolton, Lori Esslinger and a select group of seniors at SHS.

Senior Kevin Esslinger videotaped the service for those unable to attend, those wishing for a keepsake and for the Class of 2017.

During the service, Lori Esslinger invited the seniors to stand, face the audience in the chapel and tell of their future plans.

Scripture readers were Sarah Galantini, Naomi Kuhns, Kierra Burda and Ryan Fainor.

Teacher messages were provided by Susan Quigg and Michael Barna.

Both teachers talked about how the seniors can lean on God as they pursue their dreams and become successful in their endeavors.

Quigg read the scripture Jeremiah 29:11.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.”

“I believe God has already begun this great prophecy to prosper you and to give you hope for the future,” Quigg said.

“You are dedicated and compromising, surging scholars. You are committed and passionate athletes, musicians, performers. You are compassionate servants giving of yourselves to your peers and school, community and churches. Significantly, you are kind, thoughtful, friendly individuals who brighten our world.

“All of your achievement, dedication, vision, service are stamped in your passport of life as you take the direction to follow the dreams of your hearts.

“Before you so willingly take flight I’d like to acknowledge the single most important ingredient in your lives which has shepherded you through the early prosperity.

“The ingredient which has built you into extraordinary individuals and which has paved the way to your many accomplishments….. is the parental love that has blanketed you since you arrived on my planet,” Quigg said.

“Please take a moment and realize the great impact of their love and the devotion and sacrifices which so naturally flows from this love. Nothing in your young lives can even come close to this greatest of God’s gifts in your lives. Your parents’ love has been and will continue to be your shield and your safety net as you venture forth to explore the world and discover your destiny.

“The Lord does have plans for every single one of you. To give you hope and a future. Seek your dreams, let your light shine, always remember how much you are loved and cherished.”

Quigg encouraged the students to practice four joys every single day – in any moment of anxiety, keep in your heart John 3:16, say the Lord’s Prayer every day, sing “Jesus Loves Me” and look up and say thank you.

“I would like to think the true measure of life comes from the positive impact the person has on the lives of others and their community,” Barna said.

Barna said the greatest gift is the gift of self.

“Challenge yourself as I challenge you here tonight,” Barna said. “Give more back to the world than you take from it. In doing so, your legacy will be to leave this world a better, brighter, happier and more peaceful place.”

Barna said a lesson learned from his father is to “find the joy in life.”

“To dream is to do,” Barna said.

During the service, the seniors stood and recited, “The Graduate’s Prayer.”

“God of joy and hope, we thank you for this time of graduation. Your spirit of wisdom has empowered our hard work and discipline in such a way that our hunger for learning has been nourished with knowledge, discovery, creativity and determination.

“As we prepare to walk across the stage to receive our diplomas, let us walk in prayerful gratitude for the many blessings that have been made this moment real and filled with great potential.

“In gratitude, we pray for fellow students who have taught us more about friendship, collaboration and sharing.

“God, even as we have faced challenges and accomplished much, we understand that our lives move into a new chapter where there will be more challenges to face and more will be demanded of us in order to accomplish good things. May your grace cover our anxieties and fears so that we may stay encouraged about the future.

“God give us patience and hope to energize our search for work that is just and makes proper use of our gifts.

“Give us courage to face the challenges of carving out a place in society where we might live in peace, service and gratitude.

“Give us strength to resist the temptations of greed, laziness, pride and envy as we strive to do and be our best.

“May your spirit guide us as we unfold the next chapters of our lives. Help us to enliven hope in the world and bring good things to your kingdom. And, may this celebration be a reflection of the blessings that we find in knowing and loving you. For this is the day that the Lord has made. We are glad and rejoice in it! Amen.”

Refreshments were provided by parents following the service.