STUDENTS UNABLE TO DECORATE GRADUATION CAPS

As graduation gets closer and closer, many of you will be picking up your cap and gown, presenting the royal blue cloth to your families. Since its invention in the 13-14th century, it has gone through many changes, not only by having its name changed but its style too. Their real name of the cap is a mortarboard, a part of the Academic Regalia, which is the name of the gown and cap combined. History tells us that medieval scholars would have taken vows and shaved their heads. Typically long gowns were worn for warmth in the unheated monasteries, and hoods or later skull caps covered the shaved head. 

GRADUATION CAP AND ART SUPPLIES WITH THE HOPE OF SOMEDAY BEING ABLE TO DECORATE THE CAP FOR GRADUATION; PHOTO BY LILY JANECEK

After a few decades, wearing them became a symbol of wealth. They were widely adopted throughout the country. They have many different colors and styles. It became a dress code for most if not all schools around the 1880s, and as the years went on, their styles changed. At first, the cap and gown were together, but later were separated. Graduates of higher degrees or higher birth would have hoods lined with silk or fur. The style you see today is all made from tradition, including their color or patterns. Some of the colors include brown for fine arts, crimson for journalism, and dark blue for philosophy. 

Clear Creek Amara High School does not allow students to decorate their caps. Cap decoration is a way to distinguish others' caps from yours, and it adds a personal touch to your graduation outfits. Some would put their high school activities like sports, FFA, or student counsel, but others may just paint it their favorite colors. 

According to their website, the University of Iowa lets their undergrad students decorate their caps with only flat decorations, not allowing dangling items, lights, or electronic devices. Some of their tassel colors are black and gold for the Carver College of Medicine, lilac for the College of Dentistry, and orange for the College of Engineering. 

Similar to the University of Iowa, Kirkwood Community College allows decoration of their caps with only flat decorations. No lights, inappropriate language or negative portrayal of the college.  

So, what do you think about this rule? Do you want it changed or do you think it's good that CCA has this rule? The Anchor would love to hear from you. Just email us at theanchor@ccaschools.org!