How do you get a cord for graduation?

One way is through Global Scholars, a club adored by students, staff, parents, and all in between.

Students revived Global Scholars, held in room #605, in order for more students to gain a cord for graduation while learning international multiculturalism.

When students think of the club, they usually think of, “[s]omething about world issues…”, like how Junior Hannah Arizmendi attested. However, truly, the club is much more. It is a catalyst for open-mindedness, community service, and a graduation achievement. What the club’s mission focuses on this year is to spread the club’s actual goal: spread awareness about international affairs, good or bad.

Joining Global Scholars means joining an everchanging group of people where projects, members, and fundraisers change with the climate of the world.

As stated by alum Kimberly Moser, “Since there’s no set activity or fundraiser [the club] does every year, the club is really driven by student interest”, and later mentioning, “activities ranged from making posters to watching movies to pieing teachers in the face,” it is evident that this club is mainly student led.

Moser had been involved in Global Scholars since her sophomore year in 2021, and every year was something new. She was president of the club, she was the only one to graduate with a Global Scholar cord in 2024, and she earned the prestigious valedictorian placement.

Many of the student body believe that the requirements to receiving a graduation cord is strenuous or unattainable. However, they are not very excessive, and they are as follows:

1. Four consecutive language classes
   1. (taking one Spanish / French class per year)
2. Eight international media reflections
   1. Watching / reading / listening to a non-national media and writing a summary and reflection on it
   2. Books like Romeo and Juliet, Kiterunner, Crime and Punishment, etc.
3. Twenty service hours pertaining to the club / target language
4. Participation in other globally centralized activities
   1. MultiCultural club
   2. Honors Society
   3. Etcétéra activity that includes a global component

While this seems bombarding, students have a maximum of four years to complete these tasks. Further, referencing the third requirement, the actual club meetings will count towards the service hours. So, all these requirements are very tangible and attainable.

“I don’t think [the requirements] are too excessive because getting a cord should be earned, and you should have to work in order to get that achievement,” as sophomore Lila Parson attested.

Parson understands that the prestige of the reward is more memorable than the work put in to get it. Students are able to keep these cords forever, remembering their dedication.

In essence, Global Scholars’ revamping and new implementation adds new opportunities for students to accumulate their outer-scholastic involvement. Getting a cord is more dependent on dedication and consistency rather than strenuous and excessive efforts.