'We celebrate, we believe'

On Thursday evening, June 27, the Church of St. Stephen, the first Martyr hosted a well-attended Baccalaureate Ceremony for this year's graduates of Warwick Valley High School.
The inter-faith religious service, "We celebrate, we believe," was conducted by the Rev. Jack Arlotta, pastor of the Church of St. Stephen, the First Martyr and the Rev. James Erwin, rector of Christ Episcopal Church along with readings by members of the Class of 2019.
Organist Stephen Yates and cantor Anthony Marcella provided the entrance and recessional hymns.
Refreshments, courtesy of the Warwick Valley Knights of Columbus and Warwick ShopRight, were served following the Baccalaureate Ceremony.
The annual event is a popular, longtime tradition and, until last year, enjoyed the full support of the Warwick Valley School District.
However, as a result of a complaint made by a local resident to Freedom From Religion, Inc., the school district can no longer endorse the event although members of the clergy and other volunteers are able to continue the tradition.
And administrators, teachers and staff can - and do - join the students and their families as private citizens.
- Roger Gavan