Following the senior panoramic photo and graduation presentation, there was one question most often asked by the Class of 2012: Why are caps and gowns so expensive?

Senior Principal Jon Schultz said graduation is a collaboration between Rockwood School District, who sets a budget; MHS, who gathers the names; and Jostens, who provides the caps and gowns.

In the midst of his presentation about graduation packages, Jostens representative Larry Glennon stressed “Graduation is privilege, not a right.”

Jostens offers four cap and gown packages, ranging from a basic cap, tassels and gown for $50 to a $250 package that includes a sweatshirt, “bling-bling” tassel and sweatpants, among other items.

In order to attend graduation, Schultz said, caps and gowns are required for a student to walk.

Although third party sources (i.e. internet retailers) can offer replica gowns featuring the same colors and materials for a lower price, Schultz discourages buying gowns from these retailers.

“A part of the proceeds for the caps and gowns help pay for the arena, so in the end a person is saving a few dollars while costing Marquette,” Schultz said. “One student has approached me about wearing a cap and gown not ordered through Jostens, and we are working with that individual in order to find a way that they can also help offset some of the cost of producing graduation.”

For students with demonstrated financial need, there are a few parent organizations and Jostens that can help offset the price, Schultz said. However, Schultz said funds are limited and he encourages all students to try to pay for their caps and gowns without helping funds.

“We are trying to work out a system with Jostens where people can order their caps and gowns and pay $10 or so a month over the next six months,” Schultz said.

Glennon, however, said he never discussed any such plan.

“A couple of administrators have mentioned that there are concerns with up to five or six students who may need financial assistance, but Schultz has never mentioned a payment plan with me,” Glennon said.

Glennon recognized that caps and gowns may be expensive for some students, but stressed that the majority of the proceeds go to MHS and Rockwood.

“Jostens warns parents up front that the cost is not just for caps and gowns, but is also a graduation fee,” Glennon said. “No caps and gowns cost $50, and that is why we provide the stickers on the front of the envelopes which explain where the money goes.”

Glennon said Rockwood controls the price of caps and gowns.

“Three years ago Rockwood decided to raise the fees from $35 dollars to $50,” Glennon said, “In doing so, the percentage Jostens gives to Rockwood rose to 66 percent from 50 percent.”

Emily Rogers, senior, said the cap and gown is too expensive.

“I understand that graduation is expensive, but the cost of the cap and gown on top of the other costs of senior year is just too extreme,” Rogers said. “If students got to keep the gown that would be one thing, but it is just too expensive to require students to get it,”

Schultz said students should consider high school as a whole when weighing the cost.

“When you think about all the other costs a high school student endures over four years, $50 for a cap and gown isn’t too much,” Schultz said.

Schultz said he anticipates 100 percent of the graduating class will be at the Chaifetz Arena.

“Graduation costs money – it is a huge expense for the district – but Marquette tries to provide a nice ceremony with family participation,” Schultz said. “In the end though, we try to get every student we can robed.”

According to Principal Dr. Greg Mathison, the cost of renting the arena is approximately $54,000, which is split by all four high schools based on class sizes. This means that the cost for MHS is about $15,000.

However, both Dr. Mathison and Schultz agreed that the money from student fees fails to cover the total cost of graduation.

“There is always a gap between the monies that come from student fees and the cost of putting on graduation, and MHS must provide the rest,” Dr. Mathison said.

“Graduation rewards 13 years of schooling, and the cost for students is more than appropriate for the experience they receive,” Dr. Mathison said.

Glennon agreed, and advises parents to understand the costs of graduation.

“The Chaifetz Arena costs quite a bit, but it provides a great graduation for the students and their families, and the cost of caps and gowns is needed to pay for it,” Glennon said.