With the start of the new school year, Granger has updated several policies, but one surprising change affects how graduation fees are set up. Seniors must now buy their cap and gown to walk the stage. Students at Granger High School must now purchase their cap and gown to participate in the graduation ceremony.
Juan Martinez (12) says it is unfair that upcoming graduates must pay for their cap and gown to walk across the stage. Martinez says the change will create difficulties for students who are unaware of the updated rule. While the shift will not personally impact him, Martinez says it will affect a significant portion of the graduating class.
“I don’t think it is fair for the people who think that it is only a small fee,” Martinez said.
It comes down to accounting. Granger High School counselor Ms. Oliver says the updated price will not differ drastically from previous graduation ceremonies. Oliver says total graduation fees dropped from $50 down to $10, while the new cap and gown packages will cost approximately $47.21. Under the new policy, students can keep their gown after purchasing it rather than returning it after the ceremony.
“On Oct. 8, Jostens will arrive here at Granger High School,” Oliver said. Students should be prepared to ask questions during the Jostens presentation to seniors.
Jasleen Duran (12) says she does not feel bothered by the policy change and does not expect it to affect her graduation plans. Duran says the new system improves upon last year’s policy because students get to keep their gown and pay lower overall school fees. Duran says she expects most seniors to favor the change once they realize they get to keep the cap and gown. Families with many Lancer graduates may be able to reuse the gowns, too.
Owning the gown will make it much easier for seniors to arrange photo shoots to celebrate graduation and create social media content. In the past, some students only had their gowns for a day or two. It’s easy to imagine dozens of post-graduation photo shoots in the Maverik Center parking lot or at local parks and trailheads.
Rose Rivera-Quintancilla (12) says the change is interesting because Granger rarely alters graduation procedures despite updating other school policies over the years. Rivera-Quintancilla says some students may react with frustration due to the unexpected announcement. However, Rivera-Quintancilla says she feels neutral overall about the new graduation fee structure.
