Honor Pins And Charms

“I think it reinforced what it meant for me to be a good student,” Melody Thompson ‘72 said.

Thompson a bright student at Highlands High School, and her honor pins showed that. She also stayed involved in school in other ways, like cheerleading. These activities made sure to recognize those who showed devotion to their passions.  The pins she earned help to commemorate some of Thompson’s most cherished commitments and reflect the countless memories from them. “I got cheerleading pins, and I loved those. I had a Kentucky Cheerleader Association pin.” 

Other than extracurriculars, Thompson received various pins for her exceptional academic performance. One organization in particular was the Cum Laude Society. The Cum Laude Society is an honor society that recognizes students who have achieved academic excellence. These students are required to have a GPA of at least 3.6. The society came to Highlands in 1972, Melody’s senior year, allowing her to be a part of it. On March 22nd, 1972, they held the initiation in the auditorium, granting each member a certificate and a pin. “But, I do remember that Cum Laude Society… was a big thing because that was the first year it was offered at Highlands.”

Not only did she receive many pins for her achievements, but she also received awards from her teachers, which displayed how highly accomplished she was in school. “Class night, you got awards if you were getting them. So, that’s when I got the Latin award. I think Mrs. Gervin gave me the Latin award, and Mr. Lucky gave me the history award. To me, it was more the having done the work that made me feel good.”

Since she was accumulating a plethora of pins from her many extracurriculars, Melody had a little box that they resided in for safekeeping. The pins would stay in this box for years after her graduation until she donated them back to Highlands. “I kept them in a box… I had a box that was really pretty and had a pretty cover, and I just kept all those in a box.”

Thompson’s pins would end up remaining in this box for the duration of her high school career, as she didn’t wear them. They were nice reminders of her academic standing; however, she was worried that wearing the pins might be taken the wrong way. “I didn’t wear them, I think I was nervous that people would think it was an arrogant thing. I never wore them.”

These pins represent Melody’s time in high school, from her school spirit cheering during games to her academic successes. Now, 50 years later, Melody still recalls her time at Highlands fondly. “I loved going to high school. I had a whole lot of fun… I enjoyed going to football games and loved going to basketball games. I just had a good time.”