IN Norwin Winter 2019 | Page 35

Bond Issue and Facilities Master Plan to Address School Building Needs NORWIN HIGH SCHOOL SELECTS NEW CAP AND GOWN DESIGN Class of 2020 Will Be First to Wear Navy-and-Gold Gowns W hen the approximately 412 members of Norwin High School’s senior class receive their diplomas in May, they will do so in newly designed graduation gowns. The new gowns are navy blue with gold trim, and will be worn by male and female graduates alike. Norwin High School unveiled the new gown design in October to students, who responded positively to the announcement, according to Dr. Michael Choby, Principal. “With the change, we are now united by our school colors (navy blue and gold) as opposed to students only wearing blue or only wearing yellow,” Dr. Choby said. “Everyone now will be represented by both blue and gold.” In addition to unifying the look for all graduates, changing to the new color scheme alleviates several logistical challenges that previous graduates faced. When girls wore the previous yellow gowns, they couldn’t wear dark clothing underneath out of concern for darker colors showing through. Also, National Honor Society and other academic honor cords were often indistinguishable when worn with the previous gowns. Honor cords are awarded to students who demonstrate superior performance as four-year honor graduates, or as members of such societies such as National Honor, Kitty Hawk Air, Business, Psi Alpha, National German, Vocational/ Technical, Japanese, and Global Scholars. The new color scheme will provide better contrast so that these honor cords are more visible. This latest change follows several other design changes that have occurred in past decades. In the 1960s, white gowns were worn by both girls and boys. By the 1990s, that look was replaced with royal blue and yellow gowns. Soon after, the royal blue was replaced by navy. Raegan Gouker, who serves as Senior Class Corresponding Secretary at Norwin High School, said she is excited about the color and style change. “I love the fact that it will seem as if I am graduating with the entire class of 2020, rather than just the girls,” Raegan said. “The new cap and gown color style presents a more dignified and unified look.” Mrs. Lori Anselmino, Senior Class Advisor, echoed that sentiment. “The Vespers and Commencement ceremonies are a major milestone for Norwin High School students as they transition to adulthood,” Mrs. Anselmino said. “We are excited for the new uniform color/style to unite the senior class one final time as they wear our school colors honoring Norwin pride and tradition.” Norwin High School graduation is scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2020. NORWIN ❘ WINTER 2019 33