For the last three years, the plan was set: the Class of 2026 would be the first to graduate wearing a single color, marking the end of white robes for students with a 4.0 weighted GPA or higher. However, to the excitement of many, this plan is no longer in place. White graduation robes are here to stay, and they will continue to be a symbol of perseverance and academic excellence.
“When I came on last year as a new principal, the idea was that that was going to be the last year of the white robes,” said Principal Cina Abedzadeh. The transition had been a discussion for several years, and 2026 was meant to mark the shift to a single-color ceremony.
However, district leadership changed in 2023 with the selection of Chris Brown as the new superintendent and in fall of 2025 with the election of several new board members.
“We do not have any plans to change the current tradition of graduation regalia and gowns,” said Ryan Burris, Chief Communications and Public Engagement Officer of Capistrano Unified School District (CUSD).
With confirmation of the continuation of the white robes for the Class of 2026 and foreseeable future, it is clear that San Juan Hills is also continuing to send the message of rewarding hard work and academic achievement, as for many students, the white robe is about more than just a color. It represents the countless hours of studying, late nights, and sacrifices that SJHHS students made to be able to walk the graduation stage with a 4.0.
Yet even with the decision made, many still question whether it is fair to single out academic achievement in this way. Not every student lives and goes to school under the same circumstance, and without equality of opportunity, how can we celebrate achievements fairly?
While it is true that it would be impossible to give every student a truly equal opportunity, as everyone’s situation is different, hard work and dedication should still be recognized regardless of circumstance. Opportunity may never be truly equal, but effort and perseverance can still be recognized equally. What the white robes truly symbolize is not a separation of privileged and unprivileged students, but a recognition that dedication matters, regardless of background.
I myself as a student have been able to overcome many academic and mental blockades, through persistent dedication and by taking advantage of the resources available to me, including help from my teachers. My experience is proof that no matter the challenges, effort and perseverance can lead to success and that is exactly what the white robes represent.
San Juan Hills students are also fortunate enough to be given numerous free resources at their fingertips.
“I think that taking away an incentive or an award for students who do go above and beyond to get that 4.0 just sends the wrong message that we don’t think that’s important, and I think it is important. I also think that there are so many resources now for students like NHS tutors and other online resources where students can get help. So if their goal is a 4.0, they can make the decisions,” said Addison Hansen, student representative of the CUSD School Board.
Our school is also fortunate enough to have a teaching staff which demonstrates a true care for the education and success of their students, and it is almost certain that any student who reaches out to their educator for help will be directed towards a better path to success.
Should we then halt the practice of celebrating students just for the purpose of protecting the feelings of a select few? Should students who achieve highly in athletics then not be awarded MVP or scholarships? Should we still celebrate students who excel in visual arts and music? It is a simple fact that students who achieve highly, not because of but despite their circumstances, deserve to be rewarded.
Crediting students for the work they put in can also function as a motivating factor and set a precedent for students to work towards.
“I mean, last night, I studied for five hours for a test to try to get high A’s and get a good GPA. And it just is letting us down [if] we’re not getting appreciated for that,” said one student.
It is no doubt that to achieve a 4.0, even weighted, is a great accomplishment that takes hard work and dedication, and hence is something to celebrate when achieved. When students graduate from high school and continue on to college, the workforce, or whatever path they may choose, it is important that they carry with them the message that perseverance is noticed, dedication is honored, and excellence is celebrated.
