Cue up the tears, moms and dads. High School Graduation is just around the corner! We know this is a special milestone for your senior as they finish their high school years and we’re so excited to celebrate them well. Here’s what you need to know:
The Timeline:
Now – April 13: Seniors should fill out the Senior Info Form Online (See below for info)
Now – April 13 (optional): Seniors should fill out and turn in the form and documents for the Eric Petty Memorial Scholarship (See below)
Mid March – Invitation will come in the mail
Now – April 27: RSVP for the Senior Banquet on May 5 (See below for additional information)
May 4 – Morning: Wear Cap & Gown, Breakfast for students in the Senior LifeGroup Room, Celebration in all morning services, (Classic & Modern)
May 4 – Evening: Senior Banquet in the Radiate Auditorium
Senior Info Form – Due April 13
Each year we ask our seniors to fill out an online form to help us have the info we need for our Senior Recognition in church, on our social media and at our banquet.
Please be sure your student fills out the form by the due date. We know your student is busy, but we ask that the student be the one to submit their info. You can be there to help with details if they need it, but we want them to share memories, moments that shaped their faith and thoughts from their high school experience that only they can provide. The more they share, the better we can honor them.
Part of the submission is to provide at least one photo or up to three. While it does not have to be a professional photo, we do have a few specific guidelines:
- At least 1 of the photos should be a high resolution HEADSHOT (head and shoulders only) photo. You CAN do this with your phone, if needed. Most phones today have amazing cameras! Just step outside in the early morning or the early evening or even on a cloudy day and get close! If the photo has to be cropped too much it will turn blurry in the various places that we need to use.
- You can submit up to two additional photos. The only parameters for these additional photos are please make sure that they are wearing appropriate clothing or we won’t be able to use them.
- I’m available to scan a photo if needed. We know those senior portraits are spendy, so please stop by the office if you need us to scan it for you. Please do not take a picture of a picture and send that in. Those will be warped or discolored.
- If you have any questions about photos, please feel free to reach out to Maria (mthomas@burnthickory.com)
Eric Petty Memorial Scholarship
We also have the 2025 Eric Petty Memorial Scholarship application set up for you to fill out if you are planning on attending college and have been actively involved at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church during your high school years. This scholarship is awarded to outstanding Christian leaders in the Radiate Student Ministry. Deadline is Sunday April 13 (including all of the supporting documentation).
Please keep in mind there are additional requirements that need to be sent in or uploaded on the form:
- A copy of the acceptance letter from the college or university which you plan to attend.
- A copy of your SAT or ACT results
- A current photograph
- A letter of recommendation from a Christian layperson that is personally familiar with your Christian walk and leadership abilities. Radiate Staff members are not allowed to write recommendations for the scholarship.
- A letter of recommendation from either a member of the administration or faculty at your high school.
- A copy of your current high school transcripts.
Additional Options:
May 4: Senior Sunday Morning
Seniors Arrive in Senior LIfeGroup Room: 9:00 AM
Seniors are honored in Classic and Modern Worship at 9:30 AM
Senior Class Photo & Breakfast in Senior Room 10:00-10:40
Seniors are honored in Classic and Modern Worship at 11:00 AM
Seniors will sit in the Modern Worship in reserved seating during the 11:00 AM service.
Sunday morning you will need to wear your cap & gown and come ready to do a little walking. We’ll be presenting the Class of 2025 in each of our services that morning! During the 9:30 LifeGroup hour your LifeGroup Leaders will be providing breakfast. Your class will sit together in our 11 AM Service in a reserved area.
Photo Op:
We’ll have a photo op set up for you to take pictures with your student on Sunday morning and also at the banquet on Sunday evening.
May 4: Senior Banquet
Sunday Evening at 6:30 we’ll be hosting a banquet for seniors and their parents. Be watching your mailbox in mid-late March for an invitation with details, along with some special information about our Parent Blessing Time. If your student hasn’t been a part of Radiate Student LifeGroups, we may not have you on our list. Please email Maria and let her know. (mthomas@burnthickory.com) RSVP’s are due by 4/27/2025.