For years, the green-gowned rows of graduates at Shorecrest have remained in strictly uniform appearance.

     This spring, however, the senior class will debut seven new categories of graduation cords, a change sparked not by a decision from school administration, but the initiative of the seniors themselves. Senior Georgia Kurland, the organizer of the project, spent months journeying through the proposal process to ensure her peers received the recognition they desired for their high school careers.

     The seven new cords represent Community Impact and Advocacy, Student Leadership and Institutional Impact, Mentor and Peer Leadership, Athletic Distinction, Global Engagement and Cultural Leadership, Career Initiative and Professional Achievement and Independent Scholastic Achievement Awards.

     “The cords are not necessarily to say, ‘Oh, you did something, here’s an award,’ but more so to recognize the contribution you’ve made,” Kurland said. 

    She emphasized that while the Upper School provides numerous opportunities, students often pursue activities outside of Shorecrest that may not receive recognition.

     Securing the cords took a journey of approval, beginning with a letter to Head of School Nancy Spencer. 

     Kurland recalled the moment she presented the letter to her classmates for signatures. 

     “I didn’t expect it to go as crazy as it did,” she said. “Everyone lined up wanting to sign it … I had people thank me afterwards.”

     In past years, the Upper School has kept graduation regalia to a minimum in order to maintain a focus on collective achievement. According to a previous report by the Assistant Dean of Student Life, the Upper School’s policy focused on keeping graduation attire specific to academic programs like GSI or STEAM. However, Kurland felt that a lack of recognition left some students feeling underappreciated for their “niche” contributions.

     To keep the prestige of these honors high, Kurland worked with Spencer to develop high standards for each category. Seniors were required to fill out a form stating which of the cords they qualified for.

     “We wanted to honor students who have worked hard to a high standard,” Kurland said. “Even though the number might seem small, I feel like they really encapsulate so much of the senior class.”

     While some may view graduation regalia as a matter of pride, Kurland views it as a group celebration. She noted that the senior class has grown closer in recent months, and that the cords serve as a way to honor one another’s work. 

     For underclassmen looking to similarly leave their mark, Kurland suggests passion rather than titles.

     “If you’re a freshman and you’re sitting there like, ‘Oh, what looks good on my resume? What should I do?’ Do what you’re passionate about,” Kurland said.

     She also cited a piece of her father’s advice — “If you don’t ask, you don’t get” — as the driving force for her to reach out to the deans.

     The future of these cords remains in the hands of the students. Since the idea was student-led, the responsibility falls on future classes to carry on this tradition.