BY ABBIE TUSCHMAN
Less than one month into the 2018-19 school year, the Class of 2019 is already debating matters surrounding their graduation. Recently, the subject of caps and gowns has become a hot topic.
On August 27, the Class of 2019 held its senior assembly in the school auditorium. During the assembly, the seniors were asked to vote on wearing red or black caps and gowns for graduation by standing.
“Almost the entire auditorium stood,” Class of 2019 President Robin Zide said. “Then, we made sure Principal Doll saw the vote, and she agreed that the vote for red gowns overruled. I believe it was the most effective method [of voting] because the entire class was at the assembly so we were able to get an accurate representation.”
“I believe it was the most effective method [of voting] because the entire class was at the assembly so we were able to get an accurate representation.”
The Class of 2019 officers did not initially know that black gowns were not mandatory. But the class sponsor, Alfredo Pichardo, informed them that they could have a class vote to choose black or red. During the assembly, it was determined by both Pichardo and Principal Doll that at least three-quarters of the grade voted red by standing up during the vote.
Major concerns in light of the vote’s results were the time and money spent by those that took their senior photos in the black cap and gown. But Fox-Mar, the photography business that takes CCHS students’ yearbook and senior pictures, will let seniors retake their pictures in red gowns at no additional charge if they choose to do so. The rest of the Class of 2019 that needs to take their senior pictures may also wear a red cap and gown.
Despite some confusion, Pichardo has reassured the seniors that changing the color of the caps and gowns will not affect the photos that are used in the yearbook. These pictures are taken in black dresses and suits.
Still, several seniors feel frustrated about the situation and feel that the vote could have been conducted in a more precise manner. Since votes weren’t counted or documented, some have doubts over whether the votes for red caps and gowns were truly a majority.
“I didn’t know my class government was a tyranny until our senior assembly when we ‘voted’ for red caps and gowns.”
“I didn’t know my class government was a tyranny until our senior assembly when we ‘voted’ for red caps and gowns,” senior Alexander Katsotis said. “Sitting on the far side of the auditorium, I guess no one saw everyone on my side sitting, voting for the black caps and gowns, [because] apparently there was an ‘80 percent’ majority standing up.”
Yet Pichardo points out that a shift in hue for graduation attire is more than a fashion choice. In years past at CCHS, the prestige of wearing a red cap and gown at graduation was reserved for the handful of senior officers. By switching to red caps and gowns, the entire Class of 2019 will graduate wearing the same color.
“The whole class [will] wear red, not just the officers, because we are all one,” Pichardo said.
Photo by Alexa Jaspan
