Resident urges Rogers Board to allow West Point cap toppers at graduation

At the June meeting of the Rogers Board of Education, resident Scott McCraary told the board his son was denied permission to wear a West Point cap topper at graduation and urged the board to change the district policy.

“My son earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point,” McCraary said during public comment. “An appointment to the service academy is not simply a college acceptance. It's a highly competitive national achievement earned through academic excellence, leadership, character, physical aptitude, and a commitment to serve our country.” He said the district informed the family the topper was not allowed and that a request for an exemption was denied.

McCraary argued the issue is not about a piece of cardboard but about recognizing exceptional achievement and service. “When a student earns an appointment, they have achieved something extraordinary. Rogers Public Schools should be proud to recognize that achievement, not prevent its recognition,” he said.

Board members asked clarifying questions after the comment. One board member asked what the topper looked like; McCraary replied it is a small cardboard cap topper issued by West Point. Board members also asked whether the policy is unique to Rogers or more widely used by other districts, and several thanked McCraary for bringing the matter to their attention.

A board representative said the board would look into the issue, including whether the restriction is a local policy or common elsewhere, and examine possible next steps. No formal motion or vote on changing the graduation-attire policy was made at the meeting.

The board did not make an immediate change to the policy; McCraary urged the board to reconsider the rule so that the achievement would be publicly recognized in future graduations.