VOL. XV, NO. 9

For the first time in Maine West's 15‑year history Baccalaureate services will not be held for the Class of 1974. Several months ago surveys were sent to the parents of Maine West seniors in an effort to determine the willingness of both parents and students to participate in the Baccalaureate.

Traditionally, Baccalaureate had been a religious service held in conjunction with graduation ceremonies. Up until last year the service had been well attended. In 1972 an estimated 75 per cent of the graduating seniors attended. Last year, however, attendance dropped sharply with only an estimated 25 per cent of graduating seniors attending.

For the past two years it had been a district agreement that if 30 per cent of the seniors and their parents requested a Baccalaureate service, one would be held.

This year, 700 cards were sent in the mail to the parents. Only 33 per cent of these cards were returned, and of these 22 per cent voted to retain the service while 11 per cent voted to discontinue it. Since this fell far short of the 30 per cent necessary for retaining Baccalaureate, the service was cancelled.

This does not mean that Baccalaureate, will not be held for future graduating classes. Each year survey cards will be sent to determine if the service should be held.

Since Baccalaureate is a religious service, strict regulations had to be placed on the content of the service in keeping with state guidelines regarding religion in public schools. Due to the lack of interest it was thought that the purpose of Baccalaureate would best be served within each individual church.