White Rose

Purpose:
To honor graduating seniors by providing a formal entrance to the commencement ceremony.

Origination:
White Rose originated from junior girls attending a USD 501 school.

Tradition:
In 1961, Topeka West chose the white rose as its school flower and the tradition of the White Rose processional was carried on. Traditionally, each Topeka West junior girl gives her white rose to a graduating senior at the end of the ceremony.

Selection Procedure:
At the first White Rose meeting all junior girls are invited to the auditorium to learn about White Rose.  The junior girls that are interested are then selected to be the White Rose members for that school year. During the selection process the students are reminded of the tradition-laced honor involved in being chosen. Within the junior class, 8 ushers are nominated and selected (males and /or females) by the school administration or a designee of the administration.

Attire:
Junior ladies are given information and a pattern about the dress requirements for White Rose.  Often dresses are passed down from year to year and are provided to the junior ladies that are in need of a dress. The two junior males will be attired in a tuxedo.

Sponsors:
Cathy Kerns, Jerome Plunkett & Lorie Booher

Revised: 08/14/2009

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