By Layla Abukhdeir, Staff Writer
We’ve all seen it. The seniors who cross the stage at graduation with dozens of cords, sashes, and medals, a testament to all of the hard work they did during their high school years. Just last year, a photo of a student from Atholton High School went viral because of the 20+ graduation cords and chestplate of what looked to be boy scout badges he wore while he delivered a speech.
But beyond the visual impact many students don’t fully understand what those cords actually represent, or what it takes to earn them.
Graduation cords are more than just decorations. They symbolize all of the academic achievements, leadership, or service a student has done through high school, and membership in specific organizations such as honor societies and clubs. Each color represents a different accomplishment, from high GPA or honors to involvement in groups like student government, music programs or community service organizations.
At River Hill, cords are awarded for a variety of achievements. Students can earn them through achievements and membership in certain clubs and honors societies.
Senior Andres Contreres says, “I plan on wearing some of the honors society stuff that I get. The Maryland Tech Honors Society, the French Honors Society, and the National Honors Society. And for Hispanic Achievement we get this serape we can buy, and I got that too.”
For many students, cords serve as a source of pride, a visible representation of years of dedication and involvement.
“I’ve also seen it on TikTok and Instagram, that you can kind of equate how many chords you have to how involved in the school you are. And that they make you look cooler. I think that’s why so many people want them.” Contreras added.
This raises a broader question: do graduation cords accurately reflect a student’s high school experience, or do they only highlight certain types of achievement? Students who dedicate time to responsibilities outside of school, such as jobs or family obligations, may have fewer opportunities to earn cords, even if they are equally hardworking.
“To have a lot [of chords], you’ve got to have a lot of free time, in order to take all these clubs. So I’d say it’s competitive, but, again, they show how involved you were.” says Contreras.
Contreras adds, “When you put on the stoles, the serapes, and the chords on over your graduation robe, you look like you had a good time in high school.”
In the end, graduation cords represent more than just academic success. They tell a story of the activities students chose, the communities they joined, and the effort they put into their high school years.