Grant Hindsley, Daily Herald file photo

Since Pleasant Grove High School’s establishment over 105 years ago, changes have been made to graduation ceremonies in keeping with societal shifts. For a century, the majority of female students wore white caps and gowns while boys wore royal blue. In 2023, all students will wear the same royal blue.

“We had students that wanted to wear a different color, and we thought, well, instead of making it a question or a choice, we’ll just all use the same color,” said John Hanks, Pleasant Grove High School principal.

According to Hanks, only two or three students each year requested different colored caps and gowns. Administration and counseling at the school decided that they would simplify the process for students and Jostens, a memorabilia company that sells graduation coverings, yearbooks, class rings and more.

The change was recognized by students and other members of the school community, though levels of concern vary. “I don’t know if it was necessary, but it’s got to be more convenient for someone somewhere,” said Lydia Severinsen, a PGHS senior.

She added that the new gowns may be more cost-effective — “parents can buy one uniform for all their kids” — and keeping the royal blue gown clean will be easier than it would be with white.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

In 2022, Utah began allowing high school students to wear cultural regalia, emblems representing a student’s culture, during graduation ceremonies.

Prior to last year, PGHS students could only wear cords given out based on grade point averages.

“We are making this change because we feel like it’s best for our community,” Hanks said. “That was just kind of the nature of our world today is that we don’t want to prevent a person from taking pride in celebrating their culture.”

According to ASD policy, additional regalia can be worn as long as they are used moderately, do not provoke violence and “reflect culturally significant objects to the students, families, and their communities.”

There are a variety of regalia options, including as leis, flowers and necklaces. Last year, one student even waved a Mexican flag toward the crowd. Hanks plans to continue this trend in the future.

Isaac Hale, Daily Herald file photo

“It was not really our idea, but more of a ‘this is the way that we should be doing it,’ you know, so let go of some traditions from a long time ago, and kind of move forward,” he said.

Melissa Calderon, a 2022 high school graduate, said she felt disconnected from her Latino and American sides, but being able to bring her cultures into the graduation ceremony enhanced her experience.

“When I made the decision to wear a sash representing the Guatemala flag, I didn’t feel like I was choosing one culture over the other. Instead, I was proudly representing both parts of me at one of the biggest milestones for me,” Calderon said.

Students must pre-approve any alterations to their gowns with school administration. At least two weeks prior to the graduation ceremony, school administration will provide students, families and staff with additional details concerning regalia.

Pleasant Grove is not the only school that has changed to single color offerings. Since last year, American Fork High School switched from black and red cap and gowns to all red, making Westlake the last in Alpine School District to provide two colors. Westlake principal Christian Smith said he has no intention of changing in the near future.

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