Jeff Jones, former drummer of the contemporary Christian group Big Daddy Weave, will be the guest speaker at the Class of 2013 Celebration of Faith for area high school seniors. His topic will deal with the theme W.I.S.E or “What I Sacrifice Everyday.”

Wise Choices is the subject of this year’s Celebration of Faith at Butler High School scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday.

Area high school seniors are invited to attend this special nondenominational service dedicated to not only their graduation accomplishments but also to being launched into the next chapter of their lives.

Tammy Stauffer of Connoquenessing Borough is spearheading the service.

“God was the inspiration for doing this service. Our kids need to learn about Jesus and the love He has for each and every one of us. We need to get outside the church walls and spread God’s love to these kids,” said Stauffer.

She began organizing the services in 2010 when her son graduated from Butler High School.

The service, which will be in the Butler High School auditorium, is open to anyone who wants to attend including graduates from other schools.

“Butler High School seniors will be recognized by wearing their cap and gowns,” Stauffer said.

This year, the guest speaker is Jeff Jones, former drummer for the contemporary Christian music group, Big Daddy Weave.

Jones played drums in more than 1,500 concerts. While traveling around the United States and visiting other countries, Jones’ eyes were opened to the many struggles and challenges facing teens today.

After 13 years with Big Daddy Weave, Jones felt the call of God to speak to the lives of students with a message focused on helping them live the life God created them to live.

“A life lived on purpose with passion to honor God with every choice you make. Students learn to remember it’s about making W.I.S.E. decisions. It’s ‘What I Sacrifice Everyday,’” explained Jones.

The service is a nondenominational faith-based praise and worship service designed to give the class of 2013 a great send-off .

“We have a contemporary Christian band that will lead us in worship. Jeff Jones will also be playing a few songs with the band. A senior will also read Scripture pertaining to the theme W.I.S.E., ‘What I Sacrifice Everyday.’ We also have seniors that participate in the service by sharing their God-given talents with us,” said Stauffer.

Butler churches fund the event. In addition to distributing bulletin inserts during church services, they have supported the project with their donations.

The service has a planning committee which includes graduating seniors and Donna McItyre, Bill Bittner, Pastor Jeff Harris and Stauffer’s husband Dayne.

One of the students involved with the service is Nolan Fox of Butler Township, who will share his gift of music and play the prelude at the beginning of the service.

“I support this service because as a student in high school, sometimes it is difficult to keep up in your faith. It is great to celebrate with other friends and classmates the freedom that we have in Christ,” Fox said.

Fox plans to become a nurse practitioner after two years of classes at Butler County Community College, followed by three to four years at a larger school such as the University of Pittsburgh. He also wants to pursue his music aspirations.

In addition to scoring some cookies at the reception that follows, Fox is looking for hope and encouragement for the next chapter in his life. “I think other kids should go to spend some time in fellowship for the last parts of our senior year. They should want to go because the speaker is going to be great, and it will make grandmas and moms proud,” said Fox.

“When planning the service we have kept the kids in mind. It is a very upbeat service, but also shares the word of God with the kids,” Stauffer said.