As graduation gets closer seniors are preparing caps, gowns, and graduation cords that recognize their hard work and achievements throughout high school. Graduation cords are special colored ropes worn during the ceremony to represent accomplishments in academics, leadership, clubs and more.
Many students already qualify for cords through programs such as National Honor Society, High honors, Biliteracy, Journalism/Yearbook, Robotics, Outstanding Attendance, and more. Gold cords are often given for high academic excellence, while silver cords represent honors in general. Other colors may symbolize achievements in other criteria’s
Students should check with counselors, club advisors, and teachers to make sure they have completed all requirements before graduation deadlines arrive. Some cords can still be earned during the final weeks of school through academic improvement, or participation in school organizations.
Graduation is not only a celebration of finishing high school but also a chance for students to proudly show the accomplishments they earned throughout their journey.
| Cord Color | Meaning |
Gold |
High honors |
White |
Biliteracy |
silver |
Honors |
Red |
Journalism, yearbook |
Orange |
Robotics |
Purple |
Given By LAUSD Superintendent |
Blue/Gold |
Quill & Scroll International Honor Society for High School Journalists |
Black |
valedictorian and salutatorian |
black/green/white |
Outstanding Attendance |
Maroon |
Breakfast club organization |
