A Mark of Tradition and Transition Across Great Hearts

Great Hearts believes that education is just as much about human formation as it is about academics. It is the shaping of mind and heart, the steady pursuit of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty, and the daily practice of becoming the kind of person who is prepared to lead and serve. For our juniors and seniors across Great Hearts academies, the Blazer Ceremony stands out as one of the most meaningful milestones in their high school career.

During the ceremony, scholars receive their blazers that earn them the identification of upperclassmen. But it is not simply about adding to their school uniform. It is a visible symbol that our scholars have entered a new stage of responsibility, maturity, and leadership within their academies. It is, in every sense, a rite of passage.

“Here’s this piece of the uniform that you’re wearing as emblematic of your high status,” shared Great Hearts Arizona Superintendent Brandon Crowe. “By virtue of all the work you’ve put in, your high status in this school as a junior, as a senior. And that’s really important.”

The blazers unite our academies through a shared tradition. While each Great Hearts campus has its own character, history, and community, and each ceremony has its own unique variations of how it is presented, the meaning of the blazers remains the same. These students are stepping forward as leaders. They are being honored for what they have accomplished, and they are being entrusted with what comes next.

This “stepping up” in uniform brings a sense of seriousness and importance to the ceremony. “Even if a little bit subconsciously, you’re dawning the garb to go into that event. We dress up for it because we take it seriously,” said Crowe. We honor and dress for what matters, because our students and their work matter.

We see our students as young men and women becoming who they are meant to be, not simply passing time in school. That’s why these ceremonies matter so deeply. “Many people don’t give young people the credit they deserve. This is something that says, ‘No, you will be here. You want to learn. You want to grow. You want to think,’” explained Crowe. “So, I think it’s an opportunity to put them in that context with all their zeal, exuberance, intelligence, and wisdom. And put them in a context that really lifts that up.”

Ultimately, the Blazer Ceremony is one of the clearest expressions of what makes Great Hearts special. It reflects our belief that tradition matters. That honor matters. That symbols matter. And that young people matter.

Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.

Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.