CAMDEN — One of the largest classes to earn diplomas at Camden Hills Regional High School in recent years commenced its week of graduation ceremonies June 5 with the annual baccalaureate, a celebration that sent the seniors marching through downtown Camden, stopping traffic along Route 1 as the community cheered them forward. 

The parade began at Camden-Rockport Middle School, with the seniors striding down Knowlton Street to Mechanic, where they turned left, walked over the newly rebuilt Bakery Bridge to Washington Street, turned right and went over Tannery Lane to meet up with Route 1, just across the street from the Camden Public Library’s park.

They then walked down the middle of Route 1 through town, and up to the First Congregational Church, where they gathered with their families for interdenominational prayer and thanks. The baccalaureate is an academic and spiritual tradition with roots in the Middle Ages, and honors education and learning.

Every June, Camden Hills repeats the parade and church gathering on the Monday preceding the Friday evening graduation, which always begins at 8:59 p.m., in the high school gym.

Under the guidance of English teacher Todd Williams, graduation week is a joyful celebration for seniors and families, but the baccalaureate is for the community, which turns out in force to applaud the graduates.

The June 5 skies were cloudy, and a stiff cool breeze tugged at the mortar boards, tassels and gowns, as the seniors marched through town and police stopped traffic for them.  Along the way, people gathered on the sidewalk to congratulate them, and take their pictures.

Some graduates wore sandals, some barn boots, some wore red sneakers, some wore heels. And as always, they were beautiful and handsome and perfect — ready for what lies ahead.

For Camden Hills, the tradition has continued for decades, with clergy representing the Chestnut Street Baptist, St. Thomas' Episcopal and Congregational churches, as well as the Adas Yoshuron Synagogue and St. Brendan the Navigator Parish.

At the Congregational Church, families squeezed into pews behind the seniors, and up in the balcony, listening, responding, and singing.

The call for prayer at the church follows:

Leader: It takes all kinds of instruction to open our minds and enlighten us.

People: We give thanks this day for our learning.

Leader: It takes many, varied mentors to show us the way.

People: We give thanks to our family, friends and special teachers.

Leader: It takes all kinds of music to sing humanity’s song.

People: We give thanks this day for our singing.

Leader: It takes a tapestry of people to create a school environment and build community to inhabit a diverse and wonderful world.

People: We give thanks this day for our diversity, for all who are our brothers and sisters.

Leader: It takes a multiplicity of skills to keep a team playing, to keep businesses booming, to keep families thriving, to keep our spirits growing.

People: We give thanks this day for our talents, which are truly gifts.

Leader: It takes many different dreams to turn ideas into reality, to shape a future filled with joy, peace, and accomplishment. We must never forget to dream and then to do.

People: We give thanks this day for our hopes and dreams.

All: How good it is to join together in a spirit of unity and gratitude.

Reach Editorial Director Lynda Clancy at 207-706-6657; lyndaclancy@penbaypilot.com