Graduation cords are a tradition used throughout high schools and colleges across the country. Cords have represented different involvement in school clubs and activities throughout the years. Despite being allowed at all other schools in Fauquier County, Fauquier High School does not allow cords to be worn at graduation.
Students have been prohibited from wearing cords at graduation for several years. Principal Jim Raines said, “We want everybody to be uniform.” This raises some concerns between students and staff. For a school that preaches about student individuality and self-expression, not allowing students to wear cords that represent their personal interests and involvements contradicts the very messages FHS is trying to teach their students. Dawn Brown, FHS art teacher, department chair and advisor for the National Art Honor Society agrees, saying, “Why do we all have to be uniform? We live in a society that celebrates being different, so why do [students] have to be uniform when they are walking at graduation?”
Cords are also a known motivator to encourage students to get more involved in the school. Students would feel more motivated to participate in honor societies and clubs if they knew they could earn a token of accomplishment to show off at graduation. Brown stated, “There is no incentive. I mean we don’t really have anything; we tell the kids they have to be there [at National Art Honor Society], they have to provide community service but we don’t have any prize for them at the end of the day.”
According to Raines the only school programs that are allowed for any individual at graduation are “National Honor Society stoles and Mount Vista medallions.” However, allowing this program to wear stoles breaks the uniformity rule as well as excluding other honor societies and clubs. Senior Brooke Belcher shares, “[cords] show off what you did for the school and I think that’s something you should show off.” FHS must respect its student’s individuality and allow cords to celebrate and honor their commitments throughout high school.
