Graduation is an important day to celebrate and congratulation yourself for making such a huge milestone in your life. When your leaving school, your leaving behind a legacy, and set examples for the one who are before you.
Why not use this moment to rep your legacy?
imagine yourself and 1000 students walking the stage with a dark blue cap and white tarn with the wildcats symbol, repping Dallastown Area Highschool. When you walk that stage, a crowed notices a diverse change in color, pattern, or even in shine at the crown placed on your head, a customized graduation cap!
We do we decorate our caps?
Decorating graduation caps has been a loved typical tradition that turns a standard cap into a piece of accessory that tells a story.
It’s a great way for graduates to share make a personal statement, celebrate their individual Achievements, and honor the people who have stood by them and helped them along the way.
A decorated cap adds so much value and personal touch to a milestone moment, and it makes a killer fashion statement along with remarkable photos.
Origin
Graduation caps are also known as mortarboards. They were used in many different ways in history such as, forms of protest, religion or they have their roots in medieval Europe, where they were first work by clergy and scholars to symbolize status and academic achievements.
The square shape the caps have are believed to represent the book, “A Symbol of Learning”. Now, the graduation cap is a notable symbol for education.
“I am so excited to throw my cap at graduation. It’s such a widespread tradition, and I feel like it’s a moment of almost child-like celebration that refers back to where we started our journey initially, in elementary school. When I’ve gone to commencements in the past, it’s such a fun moment to watch the grads let go of everything to celebrate in a lighthearted, carefree manner at the end of the ceremony.” – Senior Cassidy Gable
Another iconic symbolic action of the graduation caps is the gesture where you toss your tassel from the right side of the cap, to the left.
When handed your diploma, you follow up with switching your tassel to the right to symbolize that you completed your education. This also is the reasoning behind the tradition of throwing your graduation cap in the air, at the end of the ceremony.
Why?
To celebrate individuality and personal achievement on a day that marks a major life milestone, decorating graduation caps are one of the best ways to make an example.
As the traditional cap and gown create a uniform look, decorating the cap allows graduates to express their unique personalities, future goals, memories or sense of humor.
It’s also a fun way to stand out in crowds of graduates and make the moment even more memorable for photos, friends, and family. The tradition has grown in popularity over the years as a creative way to honor the hard work and experiences that led to graduation.
“I’m planning on decorating my cap with the seal of my college. I’m doing it with my best friend who I met at Dallastown Elementary in 2nd grade. We’re going to college together in Rhode Island, so we wanted to decorate our caps with our colleges as a way to show where we’re going in the next step of life. But the fact that we’re doing it together will be a memory and represents that we’re moving forward together.” – Senior, Cassidy Gable.
It’s now an iconic tradition as a decorated cap tells a personal story in the. middle of a shared celebration.
Are you planning to decorate your cap for graduation? Why or why not? If yes, what do you plan to put on it and why?
“Yes I am! I have ideas on my Pinterest board, still planning what I wanna do exactly but I wanna do a glitter paper on the top and add flowers. I think the tradition is fun and I’m excited to participate in it!” – said senior, Grace Davis
Create your own! (Step by Step)
- Measure and Cut
Use cardstock to create a square the same size as your cap. Cut a small hole in the center for the tassel button. - Plan Your Layout
Sketch your design lightly with pencil before you glue anything down. Symmetry and spacing are key! - Decorate the Base
Add paint, Cut out images, markers, or paper elements. Let it dry fully before adding heavier elements like gems or flowers. - Stick It On
Once you’re happy with your design, glue the decorated cardstock onto your cap. Press gently and evenly. - Secure the Tassel
Make sure your tassel still fits around the button and hangs freely!
Your graduation will forever be more than just a ceremony. It’s a celebration of everything you accomplished and what’s ahead in your future. A decorated cap will be your message to the world and your final moment of secondary education. So great creative, and wear your achievement with pride.
