As the rising seniors at TCS begin to design their class sweatshirts, the process has not been only about aesthetics but has been fraught with ethical dilemmas and hidden challenges.
The senior sweatshirt isn’t seen as just another piece of the uniform; it’s seen as a tradition carried on through generations. Portrayed as a symbol of unity and camaraderie, and a demonstration of appreciation within the TCS community. The students feel connected and excited by the design process as their chance to express their journey through TCS.
“It’s not just about the design,” Gregorio Angel, Grade 11 member of the sweatshirt design committee, said. “It’s about creating something that will give a sense of unity to students, and it is a better representation of what we are and what we stand for as a school.”
Beneath the surface of excitement surrounding the sweatshirt, the design process has encountered a multitude of challenges and triumphs.
The committee, each with special abilities, and talents has come together and faced every challenge.
“I got involved because of my creativity and a friend’s invitation… Despite obstacles, the experience has been great; we’ve faced challenges as a group and progressed successfully,” Angel said.
Among many, the first significant hurdle was achieving consensus among the junior class on design elements. Everyone had an opinion, a preference, and an idea, making it nearly impossible for the committee to create a unified design.
“Making the entire grade decide on certain aspects of the sweater, such as color fonts, and design, was hard,” Angel said. “However, we managed to overcome it and we unified a solid idea for all.”
Furthermore, and even more troubling, ethical concerns arose when rumors of preferential treatment circulated within the design committee. “I was upset that the board members were getting a substantial discount on the sweatshirt without consulting the whole grade. It sounded like bribery to choose that specific provider.”
Santiago Lopez, Grade 11 STUCO representative, and former member of the sweatshirt design committee, said. Eventually, the tension reached a tipping point when Lopez brought the issue to light, sparking debate within the junior class WPP group chat.
“I wrote a text to inform students about this issue,” explains Santiago. “I insisted that if such discounts were to be offered, the entire grade should have a say… Since I was unwilling to accept what seemed like a bribe, I decided to leave the committee,” said Lopez.
The committee responded to Lopez’s statement through the same group chat, stating that they were not going to take the discounts, that they were never going to hide that fact from the rest of the students, and that they chose that specific sweater manufacturer because of the quality and the price offered.
“We were not going to take the discount, and the reason we did not tell the rest of the students is because we don’t think it was important,” Giulia Montorsi, another member of the sweatshirt design committee, said. “The situation was very controversial when it didn’t need to be. Nobody was being a scammer.”
Despite the controversies, the tradition of the senior sweatshirt remains deeply cherished at TCS. “I think this is a very important tradition, that leaves a very important legacy,” reflects Lopez, even after he departs from the committee. “It is also a representation of the love you have for your school, the relationship you have with your peers, and the appreciation for all the staff.” The journey of the senior sweatshirt may not have been smooth sailing, but its final destination remains the same – a symbol of unity and pride worn by the graduating class of TCS.
