Burger King is known for the whopper, the double-stack burger, and kid’s meal crowns. However, to Roberson seniors, these simple crowns have become part of a long-standing Ram tradition.
Whether they are adorned with paint, glitter, stickers, pearls, or countless other supplies, seniors are encouraged to decorate a crown of their own. These are typically are worn on certain days throughout the school year, including Fridays, during spirit week, and at athletic events.
According to past yearbooks, the tradition started roughly 15 years ago when students would get free crowns from a nearby Burger King. Over the years, the practice continued and this year, the crowns became a new fundraiser for the senior class.
“Currently, the seniors are desperately in need of money. They need to raise a minimum of $1,000 to be able to pay for graduation, and anything over that will go towards paying for senior day,” math teacher and senior class advisor Cindy Hallman-Morris said.
Last year, bookkeeper Michelle Maynor came up with the idea to turn the well- known tradition into a fundraiser. The sale and contest with the crowns raised $175.
Seniors also had the option of submitting a crown into the decorating contest. Requirements for the entered crowns were that they had to be able to be worn and have “2014” and “TCR” visible on it. The crown that received the most votes in the form of cash donations was named the winner, which was announced at the pep rally during spirit week.
Hannah Creech, a senior AP Art student, was the winner of the competition. Her crown was decorated with daisies, her favorite flower, along with many different art mediums.
“I’m really happy that I won. I think my crown really describes my personality,” said Creech, who plans on majoring in art in college.
To senior Kat Winkenwerder, the crowns are more than something fun to make. Because her older brothers recently graduated from TC, she has seen firsthand the process of making and wearing the crowns.
“I’m excited to get to compare mine with my brothers,” Winkenwerder said.
At home, stuffed bears are wearing their crowns, and now she can add hers to the collection.
According to Winkenwerder, the crowns let students express their personalities too.
My crown definitely shows my personality. I’m preppy, so my crown has pearls on it. One of my friends is really into the singer Kesha, so her crown has her on it,” she said.
The tradition is also an important part of Rebecca Cohen’s senior year.
It’s a really cool tradition. Since freshman year, you see seniors wearing their crowns, and you wait so long for your turn. Now it’s finally senior year, and I get to wear mine,” she said.
According to sophomore Savannah Caudle, she’s excited to make her crown in two years.
I think it’s a cool tradition. I will definitely make one myself when I’m a senior,” she said.
Locally, few if any schools use the crowns as a special privalege. However, many neighboring high schools do have long standing traditions.
At Hendersonville High School, every member of the senior class participates in a play they produce, with seniors as the actors, directors, and crew. They also get to decorate the school steps, and have a medieval banquet for seniors to attend.
As for Roberson, it is unlikely that the crown tradition will go away any time soon.
Whether they are adorned with paint, glitter, stickers, pearls, or countless other supplies, seniors are encouraged to decorate a crown of their own. These are typically are worn on certain days throughout the school year, including Fridays, during spirit week, and at athletic events.
According to past yearbooks, the tradition started roughly 15 years ago when students would get free crowns from a nearby Burger King. Over the years, the practice continued and this year, the crowns became a new fundraiser for the senior class.
“Currently, the seniors are desperately in need of money. They need to raise a minimum of $1,000 to be able to pay for graduation, and anything over that will go towards paying for senior day,” math teacher and senior class advisor Cindy Hallman-Morris said.
Last year, bookkeeper Michelle Maynor came up with the idea to turn the well- known tradition into a fundraiser. The sale and contest with the crowns raised $175.
Seniors also had the option of submitting a crown into the decorating contest. Requirements for the entered crowns were that they had to be able to be worn and have “2014” and “TCR” visible on it. The crown that received the most votes in the form of cash donations was named the winner, which was announced at the pep rally during spirit week.
Hannah Creech, a senior AP Art student, was the winner of the competition. Her crown was decorated with daisies, her favorite flower, along with many different art mediums.
“I’m really happy that I won. I think my crown really describes my personality,” said Creech, who plans on majoring in art in college.
To senior Kat Winkenwerder, the crowns are more than something fun to make. Because her older brothers recently graduated from TC, she has seen firsthand the process of making and wearing the crowns.
“I’m excited to get to compare mine with my brothers,” Winkenwerder said.
At home, stuffed bears are wearing their crowns, and now she can add hers to the collection.
According to Winkenwerder, the crowns let students express their personalities too.
My crown definitely shows my personality. I’m preppy, so my crown has pearls on it. One of my friends is really into the singer Kesha, so her crown has her on it,” she said.
The tradition is also an important part of Rebecca Cohen’s senior year.
It’s a really cool tradition. Since freshman year, you see seniors wearing their crowns, and you wait so long for your turn. Now it’s finally senior year, and I get to wear mine,” she said.
According to sophomore Savannah Caudle, she’s excited to make her crown in two years.
I think it’s a cool tradition. I will definitely make one myself when I’m a senior,” she said.
Locally, few if any schools use the crowns as a special privalege. However, many neighboring high schools do have long standing traditions.
At Hendersonville High School, every member of the senior class participates in a play they produce, with seniors as the actors, directors, and crew. They also get to decorate the school steps, and have a medieval banquet for seniors to attend.
As for Roberson, it is unlikely that the crown tradition will go away any time soon.