Graduation Cords and Colors

What do the various graduation cord colors (aka ropes) represent?

The graduate is not required to wear cords, it is optional, but a few of the cords have non-negotiable standards.

Leadership Cord: (non-negotiable standards; ALL criteria must be met)

  • White cord

  • worn at graduation

  • Available to students who have a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale AND

  • Completed at least 250 community service hours AND have held at least 2 leadership positions (school, church, community)

Academic Cord: (non-negotiable standards; ALL criteria must be met)

  • Gold

  • worn at graduation

  • Available to students who have a minimum of a 3.5 GPA on a 4-point scale AND

  • A score of 26+ (composite) on the ACT or 1800+ on the SAT.

  • Must provide a copy of student’s ACT to wear this cord. You must provide the copy of your student’s ACT scores to the Graduation Coordinator prior to ordering it through Jostens.

Other cord colors

  • Gold = Academic Honors (ACT Score of 26+ and GPA of 3.5+; see criteria above)

  • Maroon = Music

  • Pink = Art/Creativity/Dance

  • Purple = Missions/Serving (250+ hours of service in high school)

  • Red = Courage/Determination

  • Red, White, & Blue = Eagle Scout

  • Black - Civil Air Patrol

  • Blue & Yellow - Thespian

  • Pink - Art/Creativity/Dance

  • Red - Courage & Determination

  • Maroon - Music

  • Brown - Fine Arts

  • Sage - Athletics

  • Red & White - Robotics

Cords are ordered at the same time as the cap and gown through Jostens in the fall.