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Graduate urges Danville Area High School to allow cords, sashes and military insignia at commencement
Summary
A 2024 graduate told the board that some students were barred from wearing sashes, cords and tassels recognizing FFA, Eagle Scout and military service at graduation while National Honor Society received recognition; he asked the board to allow consistent recognition for all accomplishments.
A recent Danville Area High School graduate told the board Wednesday that the commencement ceremony last year excluded items — sashes, cords and tassels — worn by students to recognize membership in FFA, service as Eagle Scouts and military commitments.
Aristotle Rock, who graduated in 2024, said students were allowed to wear a yellow National Honor Society cord but other student distinctions were not permitted at the graduation ceremony. Rock said the decision upset classmates and family members who traveled to attend the commencement and asked the board to reconsider rules that prevent students from wearing items that represent extracurricular achievements, community service and military affiliation.
"These pieces of cloth mean a lot to the students, to be able to walk in front of their family, friends, and community members across that stage and feel like everything that they've done as a student at this high school is properly being recognized," Rock said during public comment.
Why it matters: Graduation attire is a symbolic and emotional recognition of students' activities and achievements; the speaker asked the board to ensure consistent recognition across different organizations and honors.
Administrators did not announce a rule change at the meeting. The comment was recorded during the public-comment portion of the agenda; board members did not take formal action in response but acknowledged the concern and the emotional impact described by the graduate.
