Area students gearing up for graduation can stop by a local theater for a pep talk Tuesday.

The 2013 Community Baccalaureate Service begins at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre. Anyone connected to Austin or the surrounding communities is invited to attend.

The service is put on as a joint effort by various churches in the community, said organizer Marcia Pedersen of Our Savior’s Church.

“It’s kind of an ecumenical effort, mostly led by youth leaders in our congregation,” she said.

This year’s program theme, “Run for the Prize,” will feature graduating seniors sharing their faith stories. Student musicians will perform as part of the service. After, public school teachers from the area will encourage students with positive, faith-based messages — a first for the service, which typically brings in speakers from outside of Austin.

“We’re excited about this,” Pedersen said, adding the change brings in more of a community feel to the service. “We’ve never done anything like that before.”

The service is free and open to the public. Students may wear their graduation robes if they wish to be recognized, Pedersen said. Teachers, staff and others connected to the class of 2013 may attend, as well.