Salisbury High School held its annual Baccalaureate service at Asbury United Methodist Church, Allentown, June 5.

The non-denominational service sought to inspire and empower the students through their faith as they approached graduation.

After an opening rendition of “Amazing Grace” and a welcome by senior Leandra Roelker, the graduates stood to be honored by the congregation.

A number of students read scriptures throughout the night, including James Hadinger, Marisol Rosario, Jessette Long and class salutatorian Ethan Heydt. Sabrina Sizer and Scheccid Alayola also performed musical passages on flute and piano respectively during the night.

Class president Alyson Godusky gave a student message reminiscing on great times, yet emphasized the future that lies ahead for the graduates.

“Do not be afraid to move outside of our bubble here in Salisbury, because God has better plans for us all,” Godusky said.

Former Salisbury English teacher Susan Quigg and current Social Studies teacher Michael Barna delivered encouraging messages for the service.

Quigg read a letter to the students as if it had been written by their parents, lauding the students for their achievements and wishing the best for their futures.

“We want you to realize the many valuable and solid strengths of character that will help you stand tall,” Quigg said. “We want you to make a joyful noise unto the Lord for all he has done, and for the new possibilities now before you.”

Barna’s message encouraged students to take risks and not worry about failing.

“True failure only happens when you quit: when you stop working, stop caring, stop believing,” Barna said.

Barna emphasized that by putting trust in God, anything is possible.

“Let your faith be simple and resolute,” Barna said. “Faith will raise you up to overcome the obstacles that life most certainly will put in your way.”

Pastor Ben Triestman, of Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship Church, delivered the invocation, benediction and a special baccalaureate message to the students about trusting in God moving forward.

As in previous years, the event was organized by the local Salisbury group Moms in Prayer and students. The students played a large role in shaping and coordinating the service.

“The students come up with their own order, they volunteer to be in the service and they pick the teachers that they want to speak,” Lisa Parker, a member of Moms in Prayer, said. “The students do everything. We just kind of help organize it and print [the handbills] out – the things that they can’t really do on their own.”