'Ring'-ing In A Milestone

Showing school pride through wearing class rings dates back to 1835 when West Point U.S. Military Academy students started the tradition, according to research by Eureka High School sophomore Gaby Adams. She explained the meaning of class rings to fellow classmates at a Sophomore Ring Ceremony held at the school at 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Parents of many sophomores gathered with fresh ring boxes in hand, along with their student, in one of the school's theaters for an assembly anchored by Eureka 10th grade assistant principal Nisha Patel.

Patel said it was the second year for to host a ring ceremony, and that it was important to designate and share this important step for students with parents.

The ceremony was started by the Eureka Chamber Choir singing the National Anthem, after attendees had a bagel and juice breakfast. Sophomore Chris Colletti then read a poem about the unity rings bring.

"Today you will receive a ring that has been personalized by you, and is as unique as you are," said Adams.

She highlighted that Neil Armstrong took his 1955 ring from Purdue University to the moon with him, and now the ring is displayed at the campus.

"Many people feel a class ring is a symbol of entering the adult world," she said.

She told sophomores that class rings originally were worn on the third finger of the right hand because knights believed it gave them double the strength and good luck.

"Whether your ring is silver or gold, has a stone, or is a solid band, the ring you rceived today will become another memory to add to the list of great experiences at Eureka High School," said Adams.

Eureka junior Vincent Dotson then described what his class ring has meant to him. "A class ring can remind you of your greatest memories in high school. Whether it's asking a girl to prom for the first time or scoring the game-winning point for your high school basketball team," he said. "It's about all your accomplishments, the friends you make and good times throughout your high school career."

He said he remembered picking out the details for his ring with his father. "To me, my ring reminds me of things I am a part of in school, like the volleyball team, or show choir. I know that whenever I look down at my ring, the memories I make today will be a part of me forever."

Dotson said he believed class rings will serve as reminders of who students were in high school. "Your class ring is a symbol of your individuality. Wear it with pride from here on. For me, my class ring will always be a symbol of friendship, school pride, unity and reaching for excellence in all we do."

"Whatever your ring has on it, or symbolizes for you, everyone in this room today has formed an everlasting bond, a bond that will be there for the rest of your lives," Dotson said.