Many students at Claremont High School have played the idea of their impending graduation over and over in their heads. For most, it is them sitting on white chairs on the football field, clapping for their friends, and eagerly waiting for their row to line up. When it is their turn, they walk across the stage and claim their diploma. It seems as simple as that. But, a key detail is missing. What are the students wearing as they cross the stage? The baseline fashion is a maroon cap and gown. However, there are ways to accessorize, and no, not with jewelry, nails, or decorating the top of your cap.
As a way to display student achievements at graduation, students can receive different cords and stoles of varying color and meaning. Many get cords through service with clubs such as Interact or through academic clubs such as Speech and Debate. The coveted black stole is awarded to IB Diploma students. In addition to extracurriculars and challenging academics, there are four additional California State seals that students can earn. Each seal will be put on student diplomas and have the possibility of getting a cord or stole.
The most well-known and longest-standing seal is the State Seal of Biliteracy. This seal is awarded to students who are fluent in two or more languages. Students have to prove English proficiency by “meeting” or “exceeding” standards on their CAASPP test during their junior year. Fluency in a second language can be shown by different means. Students can complete four years of that language, with a 3.0 grade point average and oral proficiency, pass the AP test with a 3 or higher, the IB test with at least a 4, or use a third-party test that the school approves. If both requirements are met, students will have the State Seal of Biliteracy reported on their transcripts, as well as a teal stole to wear for graduation.
As of this year, juniors and seniors can work to get the State Seal of Civic Engagement. The seal is given to students who demonstrate their knowledge of civics and help their community. Five steps need to be completed to get the Seal of Civic Engagement. First, students must have above a 2.0 GPA. Second, they must take World History, US History, and American Government. Students will also need to complete a two-module course designed to further their understanding of the US and California Constitutions. Third, students need to participate in civil engagement projects through classes, clubs, or outside organizations. Fourth, self-reflection has to be shown through a reflective essay, short answer response, or documentation of a class presentation. Fifth, students must get a recommendation from a peer, educator, mentor, community member, or local official. Once all steps are completed, students are eligible to receive the State Seal of Civic Engagement, which proves student commitment to bettering the world around them. Dr. Molly Arboleda, the teacher in charge of the Seal of Civic Engagement, explained why the seal is important.
“I think it can help all of us realize that all of us can make a profound difference, even if it is a small difference,” Arboleda said. “All of us are capable of helping to solve the world’s problems.”
Every student who earns the State Seal of Civic Engagement will get a seal on their diploma and a stole at graduation. In addition, one senior will receive a cash prize for their dedication to their project.
Two new seals have also been announced this year, both seals are only eligible for the Class of 2025 and later. The Seal of Math Proficiency will be given to students who complete at least Integrated Math 3, earn a 2.0 GPA or higher in all math courses, and pass the Math CAASPP test with “meeting standards” or better. Similarly, the Seal of English Proficiency is awarded to students who take four years of English, earn at least a 2.0 GPA in all English classes, and receive at least “meeting standards” on the English CAASPP State Assessment. Both seals will give students a seal on their diploma, transcript, and, hopefully– but not quite finalized yet– cords for graduation.
Achieving these seals proves student involvement in school as well as the world around them, clearly showing colleges the effort that students put into their everyday lives. Every seal, cord, and stole represents hard work and dedication throughout student time at Claremont High School. In addition to validating achievement, the accessories are an extra benefit. The sleek appearance of the black and white IB stole gives a polished look as students cross the stage. The brilliant teal of the State Seal of Biliteracy displays the perseverance students had to have to get to graduation. The cords and stoles will tell the audience at graduation a little bit about the hard work that was put into the last four years at CHS. Every cord from clubs, the State Seal of Civic Engagement, the Seal of Math Proficiency, and the Seal of English Proficiency show the individuality of each student.
