At Kent, spirit is not only something you hear about but also something you wear. The class ring has been a symbol of connection and pride, becoming the school’s culture for a long while.
“This tradition has been around for a long time,” says Ms. Gualtieri, an alumna who still wears her Kent ring proudly. While years pass and classes change, the ring’s design stays consistent. “The ring doesn’t really change the design. But they have different sizes, different materials, and you can carve your class year and your name on the inside of it.”
The ring is not mandatory, and not everyone chooses to get one, partly because they can be pretty expensive. But for most people, a class ring is meaningful to get. “Five years from now, imagine you go to your reunion and show your ring to your classmates,” Ms. G shares. “It speaks to how you feel about Kent and what value it holds for you.” For Ms. G, her ring means more than just school pride, but her love for Kent and her deep connections with her high school. “It reminds me of my ring mom and baby,” she says, referring to the relationships formed at the annual Ring Banquet. “Kent meant a lot to me, and it still does, so I wear the ring to show people that I had this unique high school experience.”
Anyone can get a ring, but for the majority of girls, they will use the ring for their Ring Day. Ms. G opted for a silver ring. “Well, it is a personal preference,” she explains. “I am a silver girl, and silver looks good with black on it. Also, silver is cheaper.” Considering the price of the ring, Ms. G says that the jewelry company is not affiliated with Kent School, and that unfortunately there is little chance that future prices would decrease. However, based on Ms. G’s experience, the ring is of really good quality, and the company provides trustworthy after-sales service. “They replaced my ring last year because my ring was old. I brought it to the dining hall, thinking that they may just clean it up or reshape it, but they sent me a full new ring.” While the price hasn’t gone down, students on financial aid can plan ahead. According to Ms. G, who was also a financial-aid kid, recipients can get a debit card from Kent and save the money for the ring.
A Kent class ring is more than jewelry. It is memory, identity, and connection. “It shows you are proud to be going to Kent,” Ms. G says. “My friends at home did not have this tradition. It is a special and unique experience for me, and for us.”
