A Senior's Insights | Convocation 2024

Over the course of my time as a student at Second Baptist, I have attended five Convocation ceremonies, and in all honesty, my memories of the first four have somewhat run together. The worship team sings on stage, the head fellow and prefect give speeches, and the head of school announces the theme for the new school year.

However, this year’s Convocation was unique. As a senior, I came to understand the significance of the incoming freshmen's first impression. With the other Fellows and Prefects, we set out to make them feel not just seen but truly welcomed. This new mission of ours completely changed how I approached Convocation.

Convocation began, and I listened as Head Fellow Mac Northrup delivered his speech, discussing the intentionality of the Second Baptist community and the blessing of attending a school that values Christ above all else. Following Mac's speech, Head Prefect Zoe Chapman stepped up to the podium. As her classmate and having the honor of watching her lead in and outside the classroom daily, I can truly speak to her diligence, driven nature, and desire to serve. I am confident that she is perfectly equipped to serve as the Head Prefect for Second Baptist School this year.

“Shaping your year is a lot like building a house,” Chapman said. “I know a lot about building houses thanks to the Guatemala mission trip I was fortunate to participate in during Interim Term this last school year.”

Throughout her speech, Chapman emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable support system and looking to Jesus in every circumstance. She referenced the steps she learned to build a home during the mission trip, illustrating the detail that a firm foundation demands. “I may not be able to predict what my year will look like exactly, but I know three things: my stable foundation is in Christ, I will have another year full of good memories, and I am supported by those around me,” Chapman said.

- Lillian Baker '25

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2024 CONVOCATION PHOTOS