The uniformity of commencement caps and gowns signals a sense of belonging and shared experiences among graduates, reminding them that they’re members of a proud and supportive community. But the wide range of regalia that reflects their academic achievements, personalities, and successes—the graduation stoles, cords, hoods, and medals—is what sets them apart from the rest. One such accessory that has gained popularity in recent years is the stole of gratitude. But what exactly is this regalia accessory, who wears a stole of gratitude, and what should you do with it after graduation?
Stole of Gratitude Meaning
Like other graduation stoles or school sashes, the stole of gratitude is typically made with high-quality fabric in the school’s or state university’s colors and imprinted or stitch-embossed with the school seal or the academic department logo. However, the stole of gratitude carries a deeper significance beyond its aesthetic appeal.
The idea behind stoles of gratitude is to acknowledge and honor someone who has made a significant impact on the graduate’s life, personal growth, and academic journey. This could be a family member, friend, mentor, teacher, or anyone who provided support, encouragement, or inspiration. After the ceremony, the graduation stole of gratitude is traditionally presented to this individual as a token of appreciation for reaching those personal development skills.
This tradition is relatively new compared to other regalia accessories, but it has quickly gained traction at various high school and collegiate institutions. It serves as a reminder that no one achieves success alone; there are always life coaches behind the scenes who contribute to a student’s achievements, whether through emotional, financial, or academic support.
Who Wears a Stole of Gratitude?
How to wear a stole of gratitude is fairly simple. It’s intended to be worn by the graduating senior during the commencement ceremony. It’s usually draped over the shoulders with the ends hanging down in front of the gown. While it’s often worn alongside other academic regalia, such as honor cords and medallions, the stole of gratitude holds a unique place due to its personal significance.
Not all graduates choose to wear this honorary stole, but those who do wear it feel a deep sense of pride and emotion, knowing that the stole will soon be gifted to someone who played a pivotal role in their journey. The person who ultimately receives this gift can vary greatly, depending on the graduate’s personal development journey. Some common recipients of this custom graduation stole include:
- Parents or Guardians: Many graduates choose to give this memento to their parents or guardians. This gift recognizes the sacrifices, support, and love they’ve shown during this lifelong process. It’s an acknowledgement of their dedication to the student’s personal development plans.
- Mentors or Teachers: A teacher, professor, or mentor who provided guidance, personal goal-setting, and encouragement might be the recipient of the stole, symbolizing the impact they had on the graduate’s educational path.
- Friends or Siblings: Family friends or siblings who have offered unwavering support, whether through emotional encouragement, financial assistance, or simply being a constant presence, may be honored with the stole.
- Community Members or Coaches: In some cases, a graduate might choose to give their gratitude stole to a community member, coach, or other influential figures who played a significant role in their personal development and achievements.
What to Write on a Stole of Gratitude
Who should receive the stole is deeply personal and is a reflection of the individual’s journey—there are no hard-and-fast rules for showing your appreciation! In fact, you may want to give sashes to multiple people who helped you get to where you are today. Often, seniors write stole of gratitude messages right on the fabric itself using permanent markers. In need of some stole of gratitude ideas for articulating the perfect heartfelt message? Here are five examples to give you inspo:
- “Thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
- “In gratitude for your guidance and love, this accomplishment is as much yours as it is mine.”
- “For the sacrifices you made and the belief you had in me, I dedicate this achievement to you.”
- “To my mentor and friend, thank you for being my guiding light on this journey.”
- “With heartfelt thanks for your endless love and support throughout my academic journey.”
What to Do with Your Stole After Graduation?
After the graduation ceremony, the stole of gratitude is traditionally presented to the chosen recipient. This exchange can be a deeply emotional moment, as it allows the graduate to express their heartfelt thanks in a meaningful way.
Presentation and Ceremony
The act of presenting the stole can be done immediately following the higher education ceremony or at a later, more private occasion. Some graduates prefer to present it in a formal setting, perhaps accompanied by a speech or a written note explaining its significance. Others might opt for a more intimate and personal moment, where they can express their gratitude directly to the recipient.
Display in a Stole of Gratitude Frame
When presenting the collegiate sash in a graduation stole shadow box, it becomes more than just a piece of fabric; it represents the acknowledgment of the support, guidance, and encouragement the recipient has provided. The act of framing the stole elevates its significance, turning it into a cherished keepsake that can be proudly displayed. A stole of gratitude frame serves as a constant reminder of the graduate’s appreciation and the shared journey, skills, and qualities that led to their success.
Passing on the Tradition
In some families or communities, this graduation tradition might be passed down through generations when one receives a bachelor degree. A parent who receives a stole from their child might, in turn, present it to another family member or mentor when they graduate. This creates a meaningful continuity, as the stole becomes a symbol of support and gratitude that transcends individual achievements and connects generations.
Sharing the Story
Another meaningful way to honor the tradition is by sharing the story behind it. Whether through social media, a personal blog, or within a community group, recounting the experience of giving and receiving the stole can inspire others to adopt this tradition. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging those who help us along our journey, and it can encourage others to express their gratitude in similar ways.
In conclusion, the stole of gratitude is more than just a piece of fabric; it is a powerful symbol of appreciation, connection, and recognition. Whether it is worn proudly on graduation day, presented in a heartfelt ceremony, or preserved as a treasured keepsake in a shadow box frame, the stole carries with it the stories and emotions of a journey completed with the support of others. By embracing this tradition, graduates have the opportunity to honor those who have made a difference in their lives and to create a lasting legacy of gratitude.
