In preparation for graduation, many seniors have, or will, receive graduation cords to display their academic achievements. These signs of dedication can be earned by joining certain clubs and honor societies.
“I will be receiving 6 cords,” said senior Reese Williams. “International Thespian Society, National Honor Society, VPAA, Math Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and honor cords.”
For honor societies, students may have to meet certain requirements outside of just being a member. For example, the International Thespian Society, a theatre arts honor society, requires students to be “in good standing” by having a 3.0 GPA and acquiring points by participating in school theatre activities.
Rho Kappa, a social studies honor society, has a similar set of extra requirements to receive grad cords. Approximately 35 Rho Kappa members have completed their requirements to receive grad cords as of May 22, 2026.
“For Rho Kappa, students must complete the service requirement for the Civics Seal, [which is] 50+ hours of community service throughout high school, attend 75% of monthly [general assembly] meetings, and attend 2 out of 4 speakers for the Spring Speaker series,” said Rho Kappa advisor Mrs. Jennifer Mechling.
Students hold graduation cords in high regard, often viewing them as a symbol of accomplishment.
“I hope people understand that I earned my cords through hard work and sacrifices instead of through easy work or natural intelligence,” said senior Angela Chen.
Below is a guide to all the graduation cords that may be worn at graduation on June 9th:
Advanced Technology Center: gold medallion
African American Leaders of Tomorrow (ALOT) Scholars: gold medallion
Environmental Studies Center: green cords
French Honor Society: red, blue, and white cords
The Governor’s School for the Arts: gold medallion and gold lapel pin
Honor Graduates (3.0 + GPA): red, black, and silver cords
International Thespian Society: royal blue and gold cords
National Arts Honor Society: rainbow cords
National Honor Society: yellow and royal blue cords
National Honor Society for Dance Arts: baby blue and white cords
Naval Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NJROTC): navy blue and gold cords
Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society: blue and gold cords
Quill & Scroll Honor Society: blue and yellow cords
Rho Kappa: royal blue and white cords
Spanish Honor Society: red and gold cords
Technical & Career Education Center: gold medallion
Tri-M National Music Honor Society: light pink cords
Visual and Performing Arts Academy: silver, black, and white cords with a medallion
“The various cords and other honor regalia symbolize those students who have excelled and gone above and beyond in academics, attendance, citizenship, community service, student activities participation, and leadership to better both themselves and Salem HS,” said Principal Carey Manugo.
Regardless of whether or not students will be draped in graduation cords, graduating seniors will have the distinction of becoming a part of one of the largest graduating classes in history. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026!
