Graduates help tailor dress codes to fit
By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer
Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser
Aarika Lim bought a pair of white pumps as her final high school-related expense.
Farrington High senior Margaret Nuesca, who is graduating tomorrow, has selected a white dress to wear under her cap and gown. Farrington's principal says that while certain attire is recommended, the rules are flexible.
The Roosevelt High School senior, 18, is among thousands of students statewide who are putting outfits together to adhere to some type of graduation dress code. "I'm totally fine with it," said Lim, who will be among 275 students to graduate from Roosevelt tomorrow. "I think everyone looks classy in what they tell us to wear."
Each public high school sets its own dress code, which is usually student-driven, said Greg Knudsen, spokesman for the Department of Education.
At Roosevelt, boys are asked to wear a white shirt, black tie, black trousers and black shoes before they put on their graduation gown, said Reynold Choy, senior class adviser. The girls will wear a white dress, or a white blouse with a skirt or trousers, and closed-toe shoes.
The students haven't really complained about the requirements, Choy said.
The only policy change this year was the trousers option for girls "because that issue came up last year from another school and some of the girls were asking about it," he said.
Last year, Baldwin High School senior Ivy Ka'anana refused to wear a dress to her graduation and was told by school officials that she would not be able to participate in the ceremony. But the area superintendent who oversees Baldwin overruled the school's decision.
"It caused us to take a closer look at a situation and realize that there are certain things that students have rights in that cannot be violated," Knudsen said regarding the Baldwin dispute.
There have been no such incidents this year, he said.
Seniors at private Iolani School will graduate tomorrow sans cap and gown. Traditionally, boys wear a blue blazer, gray slacks, white shirt, Iolani tie and maile lei. Girls vote on a selection of white holomu, or long fitted dress, which they wear with a haku lei.
The ensembles cost about $207 and $153, respectively, said Dan Feldhaus, director of college counseling. The students can raise money to help pay the costs.
There hasn't been any difficulty among the students with the required attire, Feldhaus said.
At Farrington High School's graduation ceremony tomorrow, boys will be expected to wear a white or light-colored shirt, long pants and covered shoes, while girls will wear a white or light-colored dress and covered shoes.
But the rules are flexible, said principal Catherine Payne. For example, girls may wear slacks and tennis shoes, she said.
"We just tell them what the recommendations are, but we're not pulling anybody out of graduation for a little bit of creativity," Payne said.
