MHS baccalaureate held Sunday
By Anna Mitchell

Preacher Rick Edwards speaks to Murphy seniors about the importance of not passing up opportunities. Ken Jenkins also spoke at the service.

Heartfelt speeches, beautiful singing, and inspirational wishes summed up Sunday's baccalaureate service for Murphy High seniors.

Students, teachers, parents, and church members filed into the Murphy First Baptist Church on Sunday to show their support for the graduating class of 2007. Class President Abigail Forrister began the service by welcoming and thanking everyone for attending.

Seniors then listened as Murphy First Baptist Church Pastor Rick Edwards gave a motivational speech on seizing opportunites. He encouraged seniors to take risks and "be a lion chaser". "Anyone can have a dream, goal, or aspiration, but you have to pay the price to reach your goals." said Edwards.

The very musical Andrew Brown gave his best wishes to the seniors and led the congregation in song while playing guitar.

Ken Jenkins of the Murphy Church of God urged seniors to lean on God for understanding and challenged them to find their greatness.

Andrew Brown, the youth minister at Little Brasstown Baptist Church, gave an inspirational performance at Sunday's baccalaureate service. He humored the audience and gave motivation to the seniors. He sang contemporary Christian music while playing the guitar.

Megan Curtis, Kaitlynn Dockery, Jordan Hogsed, Colton Matthews, Brittany McKinnon and Chelsea McRae then sang a beautiful version of "My Wish" and Colton Mathews gave a closing prayer.

For the graduating seniors the baccalaureate was a time to reflect on the past as well as recognize what is in store for the future.

It was moments such as this that made Sunday's baccalaureate service a memorable event. Members from the Murphy High School Show Choir contributed to to the service by performing a few songs. They entertained the crowd by singing "Friends Forever" and Rascal Flatts' "My Wish" for the event. (From left) are Jordan Hogsed, Kaitlynn Dockery, Chelsea McRae, Colton Mathews, Megan Curtis, and Brittany McKinnon.