“RINGING” in a New Tradition

Seniors Skylar Couture and Leighton Evans Initiate a Class Ring Tradition

Q: Tell us a little bit about why you wanted to incorporate a new tradition of class rings.

A: We wanted to incorporate a new tradition of class rings because we wanted a tangible item to commemorate our fondness and affection for our time here at Cannon. Also, when wearing it, if people ask what it is, we can share its significance and the importance of Cannon to us. We were inspired by other schools in our area and saw how meaningful the rings were to their alumni. Seeing how alumni wear their class rings twenty to thirty years after graduation is so special, and truly ties the class together for years to come.

Q: How does this tradition work at other schools?

A: At many schools, class rings are a long-standing tradition. Students receive their rings halfway through junior year to celebrate their dedication and hard work. Often, the class rings worn today are the original design that was created with the founding of the school. It is especially meaningful because parents who receive the same ring (from their time at the school) will come to watch their child in the ceremony. With just reinstating this tradition last year, the process wasn’t as quick as we hoped. We weren’t able to do a ring ceremony junior year, but we are hoping that in future years a ceremony will be included.

Q: What has the process looked like for the two of you, getting an inaugural tradition off the ground?

A: The process began in the spring of our junior year when we both shared the idea that we wanted a tangible item to honor our time at Cannon. After this, we met with Dean Zelaya and set up a meeting with a Jostens representative. We had already sketched the design of the ring; however, Jostens truly made it come to life. We appreciate all the work our Jostens representative put into perfecting our ring and ensuring it was what was envisioned by the committee. We are very grateful to work with amazing people at Jostens, who were open to our ideas and helpful in the process. The rings were sent into production, and this September, our senior class was able to order them.

Q: What do you envision to be the future for this class ring tradition?

A: It is very meaningful to be a part of the team that brought this tradition back to life. In future years, we hope that each graduating class can come together to commemorate the beginning of their senior year with a class ring ceremony. This would serve as a “kickoff” and a special event for the senior class that officially marks their final year at Cannon. We look forward to a point where parents will be able to come to a ring ceremony wearing the same ring their child is receiving. Not only does the ring bring together the Cannon community, but their families as well.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

SC: I am grateful to have a community at Cannon that values tradition and was open to taking on this project with us. With my years at Cannon coming to a close, I am happy to have a ring to commemorate it, and look forward to seeing how this tradition will progress. Thank you to the class ring committee, Dean Zelaya, and our representatives at Jostens.

LE: I am so thankful I was on the committee that created this tradition. Although my Cannon career is soon coming to an end after fourteen years, I am so happy that I have a small piece of Cannon with me to serve as a constant reminder of the relationships and experiences I have been so fortunate to have here.