Girl Scouts Petition APS to Allow Graduation Cords for Scout Graduates

April 03, 2026

Girl Scouts Ask Albuquerque Public Schools to Allow Graduation Cords, Launch Petition for Community Support

Albuquerque, NM — April 3, 2026 — Two Girl Scouts in Albuquerque are calling on Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) to allow graduating Girl Scouts to wear their official Girl Scout cords and stoles during high school graduation ceremonies. The request, led by Girl Scout Catherine of Troop 10607 and Sunflower of Troop 10655, seeks consistent policies across APS schools and recognition of years of leadership, service, and civic engagement.“With a few exceptions, Albuquerque Public Schools does not currently allow graduating Girl Scouts—or even Boy Scouts—to wear their organization cords or stoles during graduation,” said Wertz and Sunflower in a joint statement. “We feel that it is an honor and privilege to proudly wear our cords and stoles during the ceremony, as they represent an important part of who we are.”

This year alone, 60 Girl Scout seniors are graduating from APS, many of whom have participated in the program since kindergarten as Daisies. Girl Scouts emphasize leadership development, community service, courage, and personal growth—values the girls say have shaped who they are today.

“Wearing Girl Scout cords brings out a part of us that most people don’t see but is very important to us,” the girls continued. “Scouting has been with us for as long as school itself, helping teach leadership, courage, confidence, character, and community.”

The girls have launched a petition that has gathered over 1,100 responses from girls and parents representing Albuquerque‑area schools. Every response indicated support for allowing scouts to wear their cords during graduation ceremonies.

Beyond individual achievement, Girl Scouts point to the long‑standing partnership between scouting and APS schools. Over the years, numerous Girl Scouts have completed high‑level leadership projects that directly support APS communities—from providing backpacks filled with school supplies to developing full sensory classrooms. Many Girl Scout troops also meet in APS facilities.

“Girl Scouts have had a vital, and often unnoticed, role in APS for years,” the girls said. “By allowing scouts to wear these honors during graduation, APS would acknowledge that mutual partnership and bond.”

The Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails note that the request aligns closely with APS’s own Profile of a Graduate, which prioritizes critical thinking, collaboration, perseverance, civic engagement, advocacy, and innovation.

“The APS Profile of a Graduate aligns closely with the outcomes of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience,” said Celia Tellez, CEO of Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails. “Allowing Girl Scouts to wear their cords at graduation recognizes years of leadership, service, and commitment that extend far beyond the classroom. Girl Scouting develops the very qualities APS celebrates.”

She added, “Wearing a Girl Scout cord/stole is a visible celebration of graduates who have already demonstrated the courage, confidence, and character to change the world. My hope is that APS allows graduating Girl Scouts to wear their cords with pride, reflecting the shared commitment we have to developing inclusive, innovative, resilient leaders.”

Girl Scouts, families, alumni, and community members are encouraged to support the initiative by signing the petition created by the Girl Scouts and sharing it broadly.

Call to Action:

Support Girl Scout graduates by signing the petition: https://www.nmgirlscouts.org/apspetition