We are so excited to be a part of your graduating senior’s special day!

New this year! We are including honor cords to commemorate your graduate’s achievements. Please select the cord(s) below. All selections must be completed by March 16th - no exceptions. Once orders have been placed, we cannot make any changes. All orders are final. 

Graduation cords are ceremonial accessories worn by students during their graduation ceremony to signify academic achievement, extracurricular activities, or affiliations with honor societies. The colors of the cords hold specific meanings, representing different honors, achievements, activities or clubs.

The purpose of these cords is to visually distinguish honors graduates from their peers and to celebrate their hard work and dedication throughout their academic journey. They serve as a symbol of pride and accomplishment for the students and their families.

Please Note: The cords listed below are included in your Grad Pack fee.

To maintain a cohesive and respectful appearance for all graduates, we kindly ask that students wear only the official cords provided. This ensures that every graduate has access to the same options, promoting fairness and uniformity during the ceremony.

If you have a suggestion for an additional honor cord to be considered for future graduations, we warmly welcome your input and feedback.

Thank you for helping us celebrate all graduates with unity and excellence!

BSE does not require students to show proof of academic achievement, extracurricular activities, or community service hours, the following suggested qualifications can help guide families in determining if this cord is appropriate for their student:

GPA CORDS

Cum Laude "With Honor"

3.50 - 3.74 GPA  - White symbolizes honor, integrity, and excellence. This cord represents a student's academic diligence, personal discipline, and pursuit of truth and knowledge.

Magna Cum Laude "With Great Honor"

3.75 - 3.84 GPA - Silver represents refinement, achievement, and perseverance. These students have shown exceptional discipline, motivation, and scholastic achievement.

Summa Cum Laude "With Highest Honor"

3.85 or higher - Gold signifies excellence, wisdom, and distinguished achievement. This is the highest level of academic recognition, given to students who have demonstrated outstanding scholarly excellence, leadership in learning, and a commitment to the highest standards of education.

COMMUNITY SERVICE CORDS

Difference Between the Mission Honor Cord and the Community Service Honor Cords: 

**The Mission Honor Cord is awarded to students who have actively served in faith-based mission work. This includes local, domestic, or international missions that are specifically rooted in Christian service and outreach.
It represents a student’s commitment to living out their faith by serving others, sharing the Gospel, and answering God’s call to be a light in the world.

**The Community Service Honor Cord honors students who have dedicated an exceptional number of hours to general service and volunteer work, regardless of religious affiliation or context.
This may include any work that benefits the community, such as helping at food banks, shelters, schools, or nonprofit organizations.

Missions

Purple honor cord - for spiritual leadership and sacrifice

The Honor Cord for Missions symbolizes a student's heart for service and faith in action. It is awarded to those who have dedicated their time and gifts to sharing God’s love through mission work—both locally and globally.

Suggested Qualifications

To be eligible for the Honor Cord for Missions, a student should meet one or more of the following qualifications that demonstrate a commitment to service, leadership, and faith in action:

Participation & Leadership

• Church-sponsored mission trips

• Evangelism and outreach events

• Vacation Bible School leadership

• Worship team or youth ministry roles

• Service motivated by the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20)

Recommended Hours

While not required, students are encouraged to complete a minimum of 40–50 hours of documented mission/service work during their high school career to be considered for the honor cord.

Community Service 500+ Hours 

Orange honor cord - symbolizes energy, determination, and generosity—traits that describe a student who has made service an integral part of their identity and who inspires others to do the same. Recognizes a student's dedication to serving others without expectation of reward and for an outstanding level of personal initiative and civic responsibility. Awarded to students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to community service, having completed a significant and well-documented number of volunteer hours.

Suggested Qualifications

To be eligible for this special distinction, a student should:

1. Complete 500 or More Documented Service Hours

• Hours can be accumulated over the course of multiple years (e.g., grades 9–12).

• Service must be unpaid and benefit the community, church, school, or nonprofit organizations.

2. Diverse Areas of Service (Suggested, Not Required)

Students may serve in one or more of the following areas:

• Volunteering at food pantries or shelters

• Organizing donation drives

• Tutoring or mentoring programs; assisting teachers in the classroom 

• Environmental clean-ups or civic engagement; poll worker for elections

• Service projects not necessarily tied to a church or religious mission

Community Service 100 to 499 Hours 

Green honor cord - represents growth, renewal, and compassion—reflecting the student’s dedication to building stronger, healthier communities through humble and consistent service.

1. Complete 100 to 499 Documented Service Hours

• Hours can be accumulated over the course of multiple years (e.g., grades 9–12).

• Service must be unpaid and benefit the community, church, school, or nonprofit organizations.

ATHLETIC CORD

Red honor cord - represents passion, strength, and determination—qualities essential to athletic success. This cord honors the student’s dedication to pushing physical limits, supporting teammates, and representing their sport and community with pride. 

Suggested Qualifications:

• Active participation in school or community sports for multiple seasons or years

• Demonstrated teamwork, leadership, and positive attitude on and off the field

• Commitment to training, discipline, and athletic improvement

• May include roles such as team captain, trainer, or assistant coach

• Participation in athletic-related service or mentoring (e.g., coaching younger athletes)

SCHOLARSHIP CORD

Recognizing Academic Achievement and Financial Award 

The Black Honor Cord is awarded to students who have been granted one or more scholarships in recognition of their academic achievement, talent, leadership, or other outstanding qualities.

This cord honors the student’s hard work, perseverance, and dedication that led to earning financial assistance toward their continuing education.

Suggested Qualifications:

• Awarded one or more scholarships from colleges, universities, private organizations, or community foundations

• Scholarships may be based on academic merit, leadership, athletic ability, artistic talent, community service, or other areas of excellence

• Must be formally offered and accepted or acknowledged by the student or family

DUAL ENROLLMENT CORD

Recognizing Academic Initiative and College-Level Achievement 

Teal represents growth, ambition, and intellectual maturity. This cord is awarded to students who have successfully participated in dual enrollment, completing college-level coursework while still in high school. These students have shown academic initiative, time management, and a readiness to challenge themselves beyond standard expectations.

Suggested Qualifications:

• Completion of one or more dual enrollment courses through a college, university, or accredited program

• Demonstrated success in managing both high school and college-level responsibilities

• Earned college credit prior to graduation

COLLEGE COMMITMENT CORD

Honoring the Next Step: College or Trade School Enrollment 

The Teal & Black Honor Cord is awarded to students who have committed to attending a college, university, or trade school in the upcoming fall term. This cord celebrates a student’s readiness for the future, highlighting their ambition, planning, and commitment to continued growth—whether through academic study or skilled career training.

Suggested Qualifications:

• Accepted and committed to a college, university, trade, or vocational school

• Enrolled in the fall following graduation

• Demonstrates preparation, responsibility, and a clear post-graduation plan

MILITARY & SERVICE CORD

Honoring Service, Discipline, and Patriotism 

The Red, White & Blue Honor Cord is awarded to students who have participated in military-related programs such as JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps), Civil Air Patrol (CAP), or who have committed to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces after graduation.

This honor recognizes the student’s dedication to service, leadership, and national pride, as well as their willingness to uphold the values of duty, discipline, and sacrifice.

Suggested Qualifications:

• Active participation in JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, or a similar cadet/military training program

• Acceptance into or commitment to enlist in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces 

• Demonstrated leadership, responsibility, and respect for the core values of service and citizenship

HONORS SOCIETIES CORD

Recognizing Academic Excellence and Scholarly Distinction 

The Navy Blue and Gold Honor Cord is awarded to students who have been inducted into one or more academic honor societies during their high school career. This includes national, regional, or local societies that recognize students for outstanding academic achievement, leadership, character, and service.

• Navy Blue symbolizes knowledge, intelligence, and stability

• Gold represents excellence, honor, and high achievement

Suggested Qualifications:

• Inducted into an honor society such as:

  • National Honor Society (NHS)

  • National Beta Club

  • Subject-specific honor societies (Math, Science, English, Spanish, etc.)

• Maintained academic standards and good standing within the organization

• Demonstrated qualities of integrity, scholarship, leadership, and service