Students struggle to fill graduation orders
April 8, 2014
Photo by Ross Parks
At the beginning of the year, the entire senior class was called to meet, order from and make payments for their graduation essentials and all Rock Bridge apparel they desire. Now, as the year begins its end, some soon to be graduates find themselves behind schedule.
“I have ordered both a cap and gown from [Jostens],” senior Jazzmine Matthews said, “but I have not yet paid for them, because I’ve honestly had other priorities like classes.”
While Jostens gave students a high variety of options and adornments for graduation, the basic package comes to around 20 dollars. Nevertheless, with the hassles of daily life, many like Matthews have found themselves forgetful in their dues.
“No I haven’t paid, I didn’t make it to any of the sign up days, and if I did it would have been the last one.” senior Carly Rohrer said, “I told my dad and he said we can just pay it later, so I guess we’ll just do that.”
Though late orders are accepted, students should beware waiting too long though, as a ten dollar fee will be added to any orders when paid for late. However, some students are simply avoiding fees all together for their graduation essentials.
“I’m borrowing from a friend actually.” senior Maddi Allen-Hanson said, ““You only get your graduation cap and gown for one day. Then it just sits in your closet.” Allen-Hanson has chose to borrow a gown instead.
“I know I have to pay it before graduation,” Matthews said, “but graduation hasn’t been a thought until I completed my courses, and worrying about college expenses and where and how I will live, has been more important than graduation, which I know will happen unlike the other things.”
Nevertheless, students must get their things in order, as graduation sits now a little over a month away, and still some feel it unfair that some may be left without an option.
“I don’t think that’s really fair, shouldn’t there be some for free for people?” Rohrer said “because we’re the ones that graduated and the school should have stuff to reuse.”
By Ross Parks
How do you feel about the fee for graduation caps and gowns?
Comment and share!
Jenna Liu • Apr 11, 2014 at 2:37 pm
I think the school should have a “graduation closet”, as sometimes students are unwilling or unable to pay for a cap and gown that can only be worn once. It just seems like a waste of money.
Abby Kempf • Apr 11, 2014 at 1:11 pm
I think it’s really unfair how expensive graduation can be for students. That means some students will not be able to get a cap and gown, and after working so hard, that’s just not fair.
Ronel Ghidey • Apr 11, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Well, as a sophmore, I’m just glad this problem is 2 years away, so THANK GOD for that. But I’m one of those people who changes many distinct ‘plans’ I have for the future plus I’m EXTREMELY unorganized, so graduation orders would be and seem to be a complete pain.
Karina Kitchen • Apr 11, 2014 at 12:45 pm
I do think it would be nice if the school would let students borrow, check out, or even rent graduation robes for students who can’t afford to buy them or choose not to purchase them.
Grace • Apr 10, 2014 at 2:30 pm
As a freshman I am kept really busy with school. I can’t even imagine adding graduation, college and future plans on top of that!
Devesh Kumar • Apr 9, 2014 at 1:20 pm
I am a sophomore and I am already thinking about the future. I have planned out my whole life. When I become a senior, I know I will also be struggling. This is a hard time. We have so much going on in life and with the pressure of getting good grades and good GPA, we have to worry about graduation orders.