Knoch DME

Two seniors at Knoch High School addressed the school board meeting Wednesday, May 8, asking the district to reconsider some of its requirements around the cords and awards that can be worn with the traditional caps and gowns.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, seniors Nevaeh Spencer and Alicyn Rhodes asked board directors and administrators to allow students to wear medals and cords awarded by non-academic organizations.

District guidelines around graduation included in a commencement letter to students and parents state that “with the exception of the academic honor stole and a National Honor Society medallion, wearing of any other symbol of achievement is prohibited.”

“This includes, but is not limited to, buttons, medals, ribbons, patches, boutonnieres and corsages,” the information states. “Nothing is to be fastened or hung on the cap or gown before or during the Commencement Ceremony.”

“On graduation day, all members of the Class of 2024 are deemed equal,” the dress code states in an earlier paragraph. “Each student has achieved the same goal of graduating from high school, and each student will receive a diploma as the symbol of that achievement.”

“I understand that on graduation day, all members of the Class of 2024 are deemed equal because we have all earned a Knoch High School diploma,” Rhodes told the school board. “The only distinguishing characteristics that have been allowed are (National Honor Society) medals and an honor stole which have been rightfully earned by those who will wear them.”

“However, there are many other achievements ... for which members of my graduating class who worked hard and earned recognition,” she continued. “Some of the most talented musicians in the state are graduating from high school, but there will be no concert accomplishments when they walk to receive their diploma, as they are unable to wear their PMEA medals.”

“Student athletes account for a large (portion) of the senior class, however the varsity letter pins that so many of them have spent time on and off the field to earn will not be present on their gowns,” Rhodes said. “Knoch has delegates from youth government who spoke on the Pennsylvania State Capitol floor about bills they have worked months on, yet they are unable to show it as they are prohibited from wearing the cords awarded to them.”

“As we walk at graduation, we will wear the blue cap and gown to show the Class of 2024 as a collective group,” she said. “We ask that administration allow us to wear the pins and cords that show us as individuals within a large class.”

After Rhodes finished her speech, Spencer addressed the school board wearing her Scout uniform. A member of Troop 6670 in Ford City, Armstrong County, she recently reached Eagle Scout status.

“By allowing students to wear the Eagle cord at graduation, the school would honor their commitment to their studies and their contribution to the school and their community,” Spencer said.

“For me personally, Eagle Scouts scholarships are getting me through college and are the reason why I can get my education,” she said.