Baccalaureate Service in Loganton Honors Graduates with Worship and Prayer
By Autumn Gavlock
LOGANTON – On Sunday May 18th, Graduating seniors from Central Mountain High School, Sugar Valley Rural Charter School, and local homeschool programs were celebrated Sunday evening during a heartfelt Baccalaureate service at Booneville Campground. Hosted annually by the Sugar Valley Concerned Citizens (SVCC), the evening served as a time of worship, prayer, and blessing for the Class of 2025.
This non-denominational, interfaith service brought together families, friends, and local leaders to lift up 20 graduating seniors from the 17747 area in faith and gratitude. Youth Pastor Chad Jeirels led a meaningful blessing over the students, inviting God’s guidance and protection as they enter a new chapter of life.
Youth Pastor Chad Jeirles led the evening’s blessing and shared a compelling sermon that reminded students they don’t have to be perfect to be used by God. Drawing from powerful biblical examples, Pastor Jeirels spoke of how God consistently worked through people with flaws, failures, and brokenness. Moses, who doubted his ability to lead; David, who fell into sin yet remained a man after God’s heart; and Peter, who denied Jesus yet became a foundational figure of the Church.
His message to the graduates was clear: “God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” Pastor Jeirles encouraged students not to be discouraged by mistakes or the pressure to always get everything right. Instead, he urged them to walk in continued faith, trusting that it is their persistence in following Christ not perfection that defines a life of purpose.
He also challenged the graduates to be ministers of God’s Word, regardless of their life circumstances. “You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit to be a minister,” he said. “Your life, your choices, your character, all of it should reflect who God has called you to be.”
Addressing the cultural stigma often associated with college life, Jeirles encouraged students to reject the assumption that faith must be put on hold during young adulthood. He spoke directly to the pressures and temptations that many face after high school and challenged the graduates to be bold examples of Christ in their classrooms, dorm rooms, and friend groups. “Be the ones who break the mold,” he said. “Live by the Word, not the world.”
Worship was led by Autumn and Mitch Gavlock, along with Ralph Jeirles of the Tri-County Church Worship Team, who led the congregation in powerful songs including There’s Joy in the House of the Lord, Yes I Will, Battle Belongs, and Praise You Anywhere.Songs that speak of praising God even in hardship, songs that encourage believers to lift God’s name in the lowest valleys, declaring faith in His goodness despite life’s uncertainties.These songs encourage believers to praise God not only in times of peace but also in the middle of chaos, pain, or doubt. Whether on the mountaintops or in the valley lows, it proclaims that God is worthy of praise in every situation. Autumn Gavlock, Worship Leader also offered words of encouragement, reminding graduates to root their identity in Christ and seek peace and joy through Him.
Keystone Central School District board member Chris Scaff was also in attendance and closed the ceremony by presenting each graduate with a monetary gift on behalf of SVCC, a tangible expression of community support and encouragement.
The evening concluded with a fellowship meal provided by SVCC, where graduates, their families, and community members gathered over hamburgers, hot dogs, salads, and desserts. But more than just a shared meal, it was a powerful reminder that these young men and women are not stepping into the future alone. Surrounded by prayer, encouragement, and the love of their community, each graduate was sent out with the charge to walk boldly in faith, carry Christ into the world, and be a light wherever life leads them next.
