Graduation Stoles and More
Graduation stoles are seldom part of a high school graduation ceremony, although some high schools permit students with special honors to wear stoles or scarves to signify their achievements. In the United States, graduation stoles are used primarily in college and postgraduate commencement ceremonies. Officials of colleges wear stoles to signify their level in the University and undergraduates may wear stoles upon graduation to signify getting a doctorate or other high learning degree.
In addition to signifying higher learning, graduation stoles can also be of different colors to mark certain achievements. A Valedictorian, for example, would wear a different color graduation stole to make his or herself stand out.
Graduation attire such as graduation gowns, caps and stoles have a long history in Europe. In the United States, graduation attire was not regulated until the latter part of the 19th century, at which time robes, gowns, tassels and caps became standard in graduation ceremonies.
Because of the influence of the Anglican Church in the education system in England, the graduation robes became a standard part of the pomp and ceremony of graduation. Although customs, colors and basic attire varies in the United States, England, Australia and parts of Europe, the custom of wearing a graduation gown, stole, scarf, tassel, cap and other attire all dates back to medieval England and has roots in the Catholic Church and then the Anglican Church.
Graduation stoles can be worn in a variety of ways and can be draped around the gown in a loose fashion or in front of the gown. Although they are usually used in graduation ceremonies of higher education such as at the college and university level, some high school officials can be seen wearing these historic graduation stoles during commencement along with other learned members of the school board of trustees. In most cases, wearing the graduation stole signifies a higher level of learning and high academic success.
