Skyline High School’s graduation ceremony will look different this year, but not in the way some students expected. Despite recent rumors, graduation cords have not been removed or restricted. A new graduation stole has been added to the mix, as part of a district-wide update on graduation attire, and traditions around IB student recognition have been shifted.
Graduation cords are a colored rope students wear on top of their gown to show off their accomplishments and high school honors. A student petition began circulating earlier in May, asking signers to “allow students to wear the cords they’ve earned, as a fair and accurate representation of their hard work.” The petition, which has been signed by 216 people so far, aims to stop the Skyline administration from restricting students to one cord.
However, according to Skyline Principal Keith Hennig, “Ceremony recognition remains the same as it has been in previous years. While some early conversation took place months ago about possible changes – sparked by equity concerns related to how cords and stoles are distributed – no changes will be made this year.”
While the cord situation remains the same, a graduation stole has been added to the standard attire for all students across high schools in the Issaquah School District. The stole, a decorative sash typically worn over the shoulders, is now a standard part of the otherwise personalized senior regalia.
International Baccalaureate (IB) graduates this year will see yet another change: the IB Bib has been replaced by patches that can be attached to the district-wide stole. “This change was made in response to student concerns about the cost of the bib, and the patch allows us to continue recognizing both IB Diploma and CP students in more accessible ways,” said Mr. Hennig.
IB Diploma candidate and senior Aditi K. said, “They gave us a sticker as a replacement… I’m not too upset since we at least get something, but I feel like a sticker doesn’t sum up how much work I’ve put into getting my diploma.”
As conversations about recognition and regalia continue, it is important to note that some of these changes may not stick. “Next year, a District Committee – comprised of students and families – will be formed to review graduation attire and explore the possibility of a more unified approach across all four high schools in the District,” said Mr. Hennig.
Skyline’s graduation ceremony is scheduled for June 12, 2025, at T-Mobile Park. The venue has hosted past graduations and offers a large space for students, families, and staff to celebrate the end of the school year together.
As graduation day approaches, the class of 2025 can expect a ceremony that incorporates both new elements and long-standing traditions, celebrating their academic success and interests as well as the values of inclusivity and recognition integral to the Skyline community.
