Broward County Baccalaureate service at First Baptist Church Piney Grove

Broward County Baccalaureate service at First Baptist Church Piney Grove

By Veronica Phillips

     On June 10, 1984 a dream of one of Broward County’s most influential educators was realized.

    Mrs. Eula G. Mosby, who helped shape public education in Broward County for 32 years and labored for the well-being of Broward county’s children, founded the Broward County-Wide Baccalaureate Service, a Christian service exclusively tailored to celebrate graduates.

    The purpose of the service is to inspire and encourage graduates to be all that God has created them to be; regardless of race, age, gender or faith.

    Mosby served to help children understand that they were created for a specific purpose that could only be realized once they developed and maintained a personal relationship with God. I

    In the 30 years since its inception, Mosby and the Baccalaureate Committee have gained the support of many individuals, organizations and companies around the county who give graciously to the success of this event.

    Participants and supporters through the years include: Congressman Alcee Hastings, Florida’s 20th Congressional District Representative; present and former Broward County Public School superintendents; Dr. Derrick J. Hughes, Pastor of First Baptist Church Piney Grove; Zeta Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.; Artistical Designs, Inc.; The Broward Black Elected Officials (BBEO); Herff Jones, Chinaman Photo and many more. The BBEO and other private individuals give more than $20,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors each year.

    On May 5, at 3 p.m., just a year after Mosby’s death, the Broward County Baccalaureate Committee (BCBC), friends and supporters, individuals, organizations, clergymen and politicians from around the county will again meet at First Baptist Church Piney Grove in Lauderdale Lakes to continue this 30-year rites of passage and valid-ate the county’s high school seniors. This year’s theme is “I’m Different.” It is the hope that seniors are encouraged to dare to be different and unashamed that God has separated them for Himself. The speaker for this service will be Rev. Kito March, Pastor of Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale. Other participants include remarks by Robert W. Runcie, Broward County Public Schools Superintendent; Minister Steve Williams, Calvary Chapel, Raleigh; Cheryl A. Proctor-Jenkins Acclaim 2013 Assistant Principal of the Year Finalist; Dr. Roslyn Osgood, Broward County School Board Member and LTC Rufus Curry, Jr., motivational speaker and author of Raising Champions.

    Additionally there will be a special tribute to the late Mrs. Eddie Pearl DeGraffenreidt, an original member and staunch supporter of the BCBC.

    Mosby believed in the word’s God and she gave tirelessly to do the will of God through her assignment: education. She epitomizes Christian service through education. Mosby penned in a 2003 Baccalaureate program her thoughts, it reads: “Don’t let the message be distorted after 20 years…It’s all about the children”.

    Please join in the continuation of this spiritual and enlightening event at First Baptist Church Piney Grove in Lauderdale Lakes through your presence/financial support. For more information; contact Veronica Phillips at (954) 257-4199 or Ramona Reliford at (954) 806-6416.