Pembroke Student Proposes Expanded Graduation Regalia Policy to Recognize More Achievements
School Committee hears case for adding cords for thespians, athletes and community service volunteers; Chair Chilcott concludes 21 years of service
PEMBROKE - May 5 - A Pembroke High School student representative makes a compelling case for expanding the school's graduation regalia policy to recognize more student achievements beyond academics.
Ryan Milchunes, the student representative to the School Committee, presents research and proposals for allowing additional honor cords at graduation ceremonies during the Tuesday, May 6 meeting.
"I would like to present my findings on a potential proposal combining academics with participation in the International Thespian Society," Milchunes says. "When the Thespian Society cord was originally removed from the list of approved graduation regalia, it was under the premise that it was not academic in nature."
Milchunes research reveals that the International Thespian Society offers a "scholar distinction" that incorporates a GPA requirement of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, which could align with the school's current policy.
"I propose that we offer induction regardless of GPA as long as they're academically eligible, as we already do, and offer a cord to the Thespian Scholars who have incorporated academics with their passion for theater to earn this distinction," he says.
The current policy, IKFB-R, allows graduation cords only for the top 10% of the class, National Honor Society members, and other nationally recognized academic honor societies approved by the high school administration.
Milchunes also proposes cords for varsity athletes and students who complete significant community service hours, suggesting 100 hours as a threshold.
"The community service cord would be awarded to those students who surpass a certain number of hours," Milchunes explains. "This could be an opportunity to promote active participation in various communities through civic engagement."
Committee members express appreciation for Milchunes thorough research and presentation.
"I think he made some really good points that we hadn't considered," says Committee member Susan Bollinger. "We didn't have the portrait of the Titan then. I really like that he tied that in."
Superintendent Erin Obey explains that for the Thespian Society to qualify under current policy, it would need administrative approval and meet the GPA requirement of 3.5 that applies to other honor societies at Pembroke High School.
"The intent is that you are approving those at the beginning of the year, so students know what they're working towards," Obey says.
Committee members agree to refer the matter to the policy subcommittee for further consideration, though changes would not take effect for the current graduating class.
"I think we should at least consider it at the policy level," Bollinger says.
Committee member Katrina Delaney adds, "I also want to recognize that we need to look at a whole child. When we're thinking about what it takes to play a sport and the teamwork it takes and the time it takes and the dedication it takes, I don't think we should not consider that."
The committee also discusses the historical context of the current policy, which was established after considerable debate about balancing recognition of achievements with ensuring equity at graduation ceremonies.
"Graduation is celebrating an equal achievement of all students," explains committee member Allison Glennon. "Like everybody's equally graduating high school."
Chair Patrick Chilcott offers his perspective on the balance between recognition and equity.
"I think it's important to recognize achievement," Chilcott says. "I think it's important for us as a district and us as a school to recognize those kids that have pushed themselves and have excelled and have gone above and beyond, whether it be in the thespian society or athletics."
The committee failed to suspend rules that would have allowed immediate revisions to a policy, particularly concerning student-athlete safety.
Chilcott pushed for the suspension of policy adoption procedures to consider new safety language, but the motion didn't get the four votes needed to suspend the School Committee policy on Policy Adoption. Chilcott emphasized his motivation: "I'm focused on the safety of our female athletes. That's why I asked for this. I've always stood up for our athletes and students, and I'll keep doing so until my last day here."
Committee members Katrina Delaney and Allison Glennon drafted the proposed language to address safety concerns related to facility conditions, weather, and other factors that could put students at risk. Chilcott stressed that these changes aren't solely about transgender athletes, despite some public perception.
While the committee couldn't formally amend the policy, members are committed to adding the safety language to the athletic handbook in June. Delaney stated, "I promise we're going to add it to the athletic handbook. That's my intention, given all the research we've done."
In other business, the committee:
- Approves a special education parent/caregiver survey designed to gather feedback on the district's special education program
- Approves a placeholder article for the fall 2025 town meeting regarding potential membership to South Shore Technical High School
- Discusses upcoming town meeting on May 13 and reorganization meeting on May 20
The meeting concludes with Chilcott's farewell remarks as he completes his service on the committee after 21 years of involvement with Pembroke Public Schools.
"In the 21 years that I've been involved in public education in Pembroke, it has truly been one of the honors of my life to be able to do this," Chilcott says. "I believe with every fiber of my being that the role of the people around this table is to protect our kids and to stand up for our kids and to put our kids at the forefront of everything we do."
Committee members express their appreciation for Chilcott's leadership and service.
"What you have done for this town is amazing," says David Boyle. "I've seen this man rise above controversy, anything you name it. It has been an honor and a pleasure, and I'm so proud to have served with you."
The next School Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, ahead of the town meeting, with another meeting on May 20 when the committee will reorganize following the town election on May 17.