Fishers students petition against using 'expensive' cap and gown company, Herff Jones

FISHERS — Students at Fishers High School have started a petition encouraging the school to drop well-known cap and gown company Herff Jones next year. 

Senior Matthieu Picard started the petition early Wednesday morning. By 4 p.m.Thursday, it had received more than 1,800 signatures.

The petition lists four problems with the company, the biggest being price. Renting the "base package" costs Fishers students $67.95 in this year, the petition said. Picard said they found other options online that would cost roughly $20.

The petition also said it wasn't clear what was required for graduation, and that the sales pitch was a "waste of school time."

"Tigers deserve better, let the class of 2018 be the one to end the Herffopoly!" it read.

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Herff Jones manufacturing representative Ken Keltner said the gown package includes a cap, tassel and keychain that students keep. There is not an option to rent only the gown.

"I don't see an issue here with the price. … We're much more reasonable than a tux for prom," Keltner said. "The highest quality gown made today is the gown that I use at Fishers High School."

The school chooses the gown, Keltner said. Fishers High School's includes an embroidered school crest and a medallion. Next year, administrators could choose a cheaper option.

There's no written contract between Herff Jones and the district, Keltner said, but there is a "handshake" agreement.

The district issued a statement Wednesday night saying Hamilton Southeastern is unable to make changes for the 2017 graduation because the ceremony is June 3.

"Most students have already ordered their cap and gown," it read. "Students and families with financial challenges have been working with their guidance counselors to address their needs."

The statement also said Fishers High School administrators have met with "several students" over these concerns, and "believe the conversation will continue in preparation for next year's ceremony."

The statement was issued after senior Noah Alderton was told he would not be allowed to walk at graduation if he continued to refuse to rent the Herff Jones gown. 

"Graduation ceremonies are considered an extracurricular activity," the district said in its statement. "Students who choose to participate are required to wear the appropriate attire to maintain the unity and integrity of this special occasion."

Instead of walking, Alderton said he plans to sit in the audience at this own graduation, wearing a $20 red cap and gown he ordered on Amazon.

Call IndyStar reporter Emma Kate Fittes at (317) 513-7854. Follow her on Twitter: @IndyEmmaKate.