This article was written by Andrew Kolondra, Jr., class of 2018.
The first of many ceremonies on the road to the Class of 2018’s graduation took place Tuesday Feb. 28 from 8-9 a.m. in the theater as members of the junior class were presented with their class rings.
Ordered in December, the customizable class rings feature everything from musical instruments and pre-professional track symbols to sports equipment and the Boy Scouts of America logo. Some students did not even order traditional rings – Jostens, the company through which AHS students placed their orders, also sells class lockets, bracelets and dog tags.
The ceremony Tuesday morning commenced with an introduction from high school principal Mrs. Elise Blum, followed by a short presentation by Jostens representative Rose Paolino about the history of the class ring tradition, which began with West Point Military Academy’s graduating class of 1835.
Junior class president Dominique Cunningham took the stage to show juniors in the audience what to do after receiving their rings from junior class adviser Mrs. Jessica Miliffe. Around 60 students crossed the stage in alphabetical order and walked under a black-and-gold balloon arch, symbolically taking the first steps on the road to graduation a little over one year from now.
Juniors, if you are unsatisfied with how your ring came out, Jostens representative Mrs. Paolino will be on campus next Tuesday, March 7 to process any change requests. Jostens’ warranty ensures that these changes may be made at no cost.
The Post would like to wish juniors the best of luck as they narrow down their college lists and get ready to start sending applications to their dream schools.
