Keep Your Pin Up

Photo Credit: Jacob Kurash

There are many milestones that are celebrated in high school, especially for upperclassmen. Many of our upper schools at Great Hearts commemorate the promotion as juniors and seniors with a slight change or modification in uniform, such as shirt style or color, and the addition of a tie, blazer, or lapel pin during a ceremony to celebrate the passage. At North Phoenix Prep, they participate in the time-honored tradition of a pinning ceremony, where juniors receive their blazers and seniors receive a lapel pin for their blazer. We recently covered a similar blazer ceremony at Veritas Prep. Read more about that ceremony here.

North Phoenix Prep Headmaster, Corinne Jacobson, addressed the audience of parents and family members, along with the upperclassmen scholars. “Juniors and seniors, today we celebrate your journey as upperclassmen of North Phoenix Prep. We participate in the tradition of this ceremony to solidify the significance of being a leader in and pursuer of the good life. As you approach the end of your high school journey, in the case of seniors, or you approach your senior year, in the case of juniors, it’s natural to feel a sense of weariness and to question the value of pushing ourselves to the finish line. However, I ask you to remember the words of Virgil, who wrote, ‘They can conquer who believe they can.’ The belief in our own abilities is key to success, but it is not the only virtue we need to embrace. Aristotle taught that virtue is a habit, and to be virtuous, one must practice virtues. Thus, to finish strong we must practice perseverance, diligence, and self-discipline.”

Alison Stone, Assistant Headmaster and Head of Operations, asked each of the seniors to come up front and asked one member of the student’s family to come up and stand behind them to ceremoniously place the pin on their blazer. As Ms. Stone called the students’ names one by one, the proud parents took turns placing the pin on the lapel of their student’s blazer. “The act of a parent or special person pinning your blazer for the senior ceremony is a significant moment that symbolizes the culmination of your high school journey,” said Jacobson. “It represents the pride and love that your parent or special person has for you as well as the sacrifices they have made to support you through your educational journey. It’s a physical representation of their support, guidance, and encouragement. It is also a reminder that this is not only a personal achievement, but a family achievement. It is a moment that will be forever etched in your memory and one that you will treasure for years to come.”

Photo Credit: Jacob Kurash

Ms. Stone then dismissed the family members to their seats and asked all the juniors to come join the seniors up front. The act of a senior placing the blazer on the junior is a significant gesture. One that has special meaning for the students receiving the honor. “Juniors, as you receive your blazer from a senior, consider it a passing of the torch,” said Jacobson, addressing the junior class. “With the senior class graduating and moving on soon, it is now your turn to step up and take on new roles and responsibilities. This is an exciting opportunity for you to showcase your leadership skills and make a positive impact on your school community. You have the ability to lead by example and inspire others through your actions and words. With your newfound leadership roles, you will have the chance to shape the culture of your school and create a positive and virtuous environment for all. Remember that leadership is not just about holding a title. It may not even be about that at all. But about being a leader in everything you do. Embrace this opportunity and lead with integrity, respect, and compassion. You have the power to make a difference and leave a lasting legacy at North Phoenix Prep.”

“Finishing strong is not about being perfect,” continued Jacobson. “It’s about being persistent and embracing mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Your blazer and pin are symbols of this journey and of the perseverance, diligence, and self-discipline that you embody.”

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