Students from five honor societies at Homewood-Flossmoor High School petitioned the school board Monday, May 1, asking permission for 73 of their members to wear recognition cords at graduation.
They said the exceptional achievements of their members, top students in the 2017 class, would be on display if they wore cords. Graduation is June 4.
Cords are worn around the neck and draped at the front of the commencement robe. Specific cord colors signify each organization. Currently, only H-F students in the National Honor Society (NHS) are given permission to wear cords. Purchasing the additional cords is expected to cost the district less than $500.
The students asked that seniors who have met the requirements of the Art, Tri-M Music, French and Spanish National Honor Societies and Mu Alpha Theta, math honor society, also be allowed to wear cords.
Students introduced themselves sharing with the board the universities they will be attending: Zakiya Walker and Brianna Meyer, Washington University in St. Louis; Courtney Commodore, the University of Southern California; Bailey Didier, DePaul University; Emma Brown, Syracuse University; and Giamarco Petrelli, Miami University of Ohio.
Students in NHS are the only ones recognized because it is the oldest national honor society and has high standards for admission. Zakiya told board members since NHS was founded in 1921, the other honor societies have reached the same level of importance.
Admission is based on grades, involvement with the organization and community service. All are important factors for college admission, she said.
Students also presented information on top schools in Illinois that allow recognition of all honors societies. Gianmarco said H-F, too, should be a leader on giving student recognition.
“I just totally support you. Congratulations, we are so proud of you!” said board member Debbie Berman. Board member Jody Scariano also applauded the students and said she backed their efforts.