Secular reading at baccalaureate. Give me suggestions.

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the discomfort some seniors feel regarding the religious nature of the baccalaureate service, which is highly recommended attendance after high school graduation. One participant suggests asking the principal to include a secular reading, seeking recommendations for appropriate excerpts from novels or philosophical works. There is a personal anecdote shared about skipping the baccalaureate and receiving awards directly from the governor at graduation, emphasizing that participation in the baccalaureate may not be essential. The conversation also touches on the nature of the baccalaureate service, described as a formal graduation ceremony with planned speeches from both a minister and a rabbi. Suggestions for readings include the works of Tolstoy, noted for their dramatic insights into political and social issues, with a link provided to access his writings online. The discussion highlights the desire for inclusivity and the importance of finding meaningful content for the ceremony.
zk4586
Messages
86
Reaction score
0
Since it is "highly recommended" that all seniors attend the baccalaureate service after my high school graduation, and since the religious nature of such a service makes me uncomfortable, I was thinking of asking the principal to include a secular reading at the baccalaureate. If she agrees, I'll need to find an appropriate short reading (an excerpt from a novel or a section from a philosophical work, preferably). Any ideas?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
No suggestion here, but listen to this story: We had baccalaureate the day before graduation. I've never really cared about getting awards in front of a crowd, they just aren't a big deal to me. So I didn't go. The next day at graduation our key speaker was the governor of Nevada. Before they started handing out diplomas the governor called me up and gave me my awards and scholarships himself. I was the only one singled out like that so I suggest skipping baccalaureate altogether.
 
tribdog said:
No suggestion here, but listen to this story: We had baccalaureate the day before graduation. I've never really cared about getting awards in front of a crowd, they just aren't a big deal to me. So I didn't go. The next day at graduation our key speaker was the governor of Nevada. Before they started handing out diplomas the governor called me up and gave me my awards and scholarships himself. I was the only one singled out like that so I suggest skipping baccalaureate altogether.

Haha. That's pretty damn awesome.
 
What is a baccalaureate service? Does it have something to do with the IB program?
 
zk4586 said:
Since it is "highly recommended" that all seniors attend the baccalaureate service after my high school graduation, and since the religious nature of such a service makes me uncomfortable, I was thinking of asking the principal to include a secular reading at the baccalaureate. If she agrees, I'll need to find an appropriate short reading (an excerpt from a novel or a section from a philosophical work, preferably). Any ideas?

The works of Tolstoy are magnificent. I suggest his book (if which I am unable to recall the name of). His works concern political + social works and his insight into it all is very dramatic and has been admired. My sister read it at a very young age, and is still amazed by the book. The book consists of short essays.
If you wish for me to find out the title (which will be no trouble at all, I assure you), please say so. :biggrin:
 
Imparcticle said:
The works of Tolstoy are magnificent. I suggest his book (if which I am unable to recall the name of). His works concern political + social works and his insight into it all is very dramatic and has been admired. My sister read it at a very young age, and is still amazed by the book. The book consists of short essays.
If you wish for me to find out the title (which will be no trouble at all, I assure you), please say so. :biggrin:

That'd be great. Yes, please. Though Tolstoy was a Christian.

And in response to your question, it's just a more formal graduation ceremony. I don't really understand it myself. But apparently they're trying to get both a minister and a rabbi to speak.
 
Last edited:
Even better! I just found the whole book online. Here's the address (by the way, this site is my favorite. It has a ton of books online from charles dickens to plato.):

http://www.readprint.com/work-1432/Leo-Tolstoy

okay, now all you have to do is pick a chapter.
 

Similar threads

Hi I'm Tasnim, I'm new here.
Replies
2
Views
516
Schools Choosing the Right University: Experiences and Suggestions
Replies
2
Views
1K
Wood/Glass/Metal Which MIG Welder is Best for Hobby Work and Light Duty Welding?
Replies
14
Views
4K
Three new books to read about expertise vs. democracy
Replies
4
Views
3K
Programs Is it too late for me to get into Physics?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Sacks' Autistic Twins and Prime Testing
Replies
4
Views
3K
Physics Advice on aiming for top-tier plasma physics PhD. programs
Replies
2
Views
1K
Other First post since 2009. I've learned a lot. Where to go from here?
Replies
1
Views
1K
Other List of STEM Masterworks: THE SUMMARY
Replies
2
Views
2K
Intro Physics Suggestions for conceptual E&M and modern physics reading
Replies
6
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top