It’s a rite of passage during sophomore year: The class ring presentation. Early each January, Jostens gives sophomores a presentation about the meaning of a class ring and why they should buy one. One of the main reasons they give is that ring they buy will hold loads of memories. Then the students leave and ponder if they want one.

But are they really worth it? In a recent survey of FCHS staff, 38 out of 48 teachers who responded said that they bought a class ring in high school. Over 90% don’t wear their ring anymore because it doesn’t fit, they lost it or- in teacher Sherron Haley’s case- it got thrown down the toilet by her children. Some teachers still think buying a class ring is a great idea. “It was a constant reminder of my high school experience and gave me pride as a symbol of the hard work and dedication that went into my educational background,” said special education teacher Edna Harris. Others disagreed. “I don’t think it is worth it to buy a high school class ring,” said foreign language teacher Jennifer Herner. Ultimately, of the teachers polled, 33% said “Yes, get one” while 47% said, “No, save your money.”

Deciding whether to get a class ring is an intensely personal one. “ I want a class ring so that I will be able to look at it and remember all my great high school memories,” said Sophomore Michelle Hammond. Some students still believe class rings are good reminders of your youth and the good times you had doing sports, singing in the choir, playing an instrument or just being with your friends. “I feel like class rings are an important part of high school. When you’re older, you can see all the memories you made. I’m really excited to get one,” said Sophomore Mallory Berry.  Others like that can customize your ring anyway you want. There are many different options to choose from.

The costs for class rings vary, ranging from less than $200 to over $500. “For my ring I chose to put soccer and the class of 2018. I chose that because soccer is my passion and I wanted to put 2018 because it’s the year I graduate [on the sides],” said Sophomore Payton Day. Through the years class rings have become more personalized. You have always been able to design the ring, but now you can go deeper into personalization. You can have your zodiac sign, sports championships, or an awareness ribbon incorporated into your ring. “I believe it should be personalized so the memories remain,” said teacher Darren McCauley. Whether you love rings or can leave them, you can be sure that when class rings are distributed on April 26, there will be a lot of happy sophomores.