Cooper HS graduate allowed to wear military regalia

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — Jayden Fuentes, like many of his classmates, is preparing for high school graduation. A senior at Cooper High School, Fuentes said he knew what he wanted to do after graduation: join the military.

“I had three friends who were seniors, and they went to the National Guard, and I saw what they were doing and stuff. I was like, I don’t know what I’m doing next. Seems like a pretty good opportunity,” Fuentes said.

He completed basic training the summer after his junior year and became eligible to wear a special military stole for graduation. He said the stole represents his accomplishment and dedication to his country.

“It’s to show the sacrifices you made and stuff like that. I was like, I received it. I was really excited to wear it,” Fuentes said.

But when the time came to talk about graduation, he discovered a district rule would not allow him to wear.

“That was something I wanted to show what I’ve done and stuff, and show something that I’ve accomplished. Aside from school awards, it’s also something I accomplished. It was something really big to me. It’s what I’m about to dedicate my life to. So, it kind of hurt,” Fuentes said. “One of the prohibited stoles is anything military related. It kind of hit me really hard. I, I don’t know if it’s disrespectful, but it kind of felt disrespectful.”

He said he went to his principal and ROTC instructor but was told “there was nothing they could do.”

“I went to my ROTC instructor, and he said that it’s been like that for quite a while, and he’s had students talk about it and stuff, but it’s never really changed, or it’s just the way it’s been for a long time. He would say, there is something you can do about it as well,” Fuentes said.

Coming home to his dad, Alfredo Lopez, with the news, Lopez said it was upsetting to hear, knowing his son’s sacrifice.

“He was 17 when he made this dedication to do something greater than himself for us, for our country. You think that maybe the school district would have a little bit more appreciation for that,” Lopez said.

KTAB/KRBC reached out to Abilene Independent School District for comment and were informed:

“The district has clarified our graduation dress code policy to allow students who enlist and complete basic training prior to graduation to wear military-provided regalia during our commencement exercises.”

Fuentes said sharing his story is not for attention or for the rule to be amended only for him, but also for future students.

“Coming from a military member graduating myself, I don’t feel appreciated, and I would like future kids going into the military at a young age, just to feel appreciated and know. I want them to know that they’re recognized,” Fuentes said.

KTAB/KRBC broke the news to Fuentes that the school had changed its policy, allowing him to proudly wear the stole as he walked the stage. He replied, saying he couldn’t believe it, and is happy to walk across the stage and show off his hard work.

Cooper High School graduation will be held at Shotwell Stadium at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23.