At Flagler College, the tradition is no different, offering one final glimpse into the journeys that brought graduates to commencement day. Through photos, quotes, tributes, and creative designs, seniors use their caps to reflect on the experiences, memories, and people who shaped their time at the College
For many graduates, decorating a cap has become more than a trend. It is a chance to celebrate friendships, honor family members, recognize sacrifices, showcase creativity, or reflect on the experiences that shaped their college years. Some students spend weeks carefully crafting intricate designs, while others choose a few simple words that hold years of meaning behind them.
This year, graduating seniors were invited to share photos of their decorated caps and explain the meaning behind them. The submissions ranged from funny and lighthearted to emotional and deeply personal, each offering a unique reflection of the student behind the design.
Behind every decorated cap is a story worth telling. Here are some of the standout submissions from Flagler College’s graduating Class of 2026:
Brigitte Traill
Criminology graduate with minors in Marketing and Sociology
Kelsey Hearns
Strategic Communication (Public Relations) graduate with a Marketing minor
"My cap design fully symbolizes me. I love pearls, gold, and, of course, communications. More than anything, though, I am an optimistic person, and I wanted my cap to reflect that. This is an intimidating time in our lives, but it does not have to be. I wanted my cap to remind both my peers and myself that the best is yet to come, or “comm,” and that our best days have not even happened yet."
Jillian Orth
Hospitality and Tourism Management graduate
"I wanted to make my cap feel like a complete reflection of me, so I decided to make a collage of all the things I love. Firstly, there are many different musical elements on my cap, from music notes in the background to a guitar and a mention of “Starting Over” by Chris Stapleton, which is my favorite song. I love making music in my free time, so this is a huge part of my life.
Along with this, there are a lot of things that reference a country style, like a feather, compass, boots, and cowboy hat, to showcase my love of country music, traditions, and horses. There are other elements, like the book that says “Once Upon a Time,” which is an ode to both my favorite TV show of all time and a reminder of my brother who passed away, because that was our thing. There is also a mirror that says “Don’t forget to follow your dreams” and the sun from Tangled because I love Disney.
The final and most important element is my faith, which is signified through the Bible verse and crosses, as my Catholic faith guides my life, and I felt this verse symbolized this new chapter of my life. I added other embellishments, like flowers and lace, that bring the whole vision to life. I could not be happier with how the final design came out and believe it reflects my passions and how Flagler College has impacted me and helped me become the person I am today."
Robin Metallo
Masters in Deaf Education graduate
"My masters cap says love what you do, as I love teaching my deaf and hard of hearing students!"
Emily Swestyn
Business Administration graduate with a Pre- Law minor
"Since I was a toddler my parents have always taken me to Disney World. One of the attractions we would always go on was the “Carousel of Progress” and it would sing the lyrics “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow.” This attraction is all about progress, innovation, and moving forward for a better future. As a business major, I have always been inspired by the story of Disney and how it came to be today. This cap design also carries memories with my family."
Sophia Cardona Quintana
Digital Media Production and Journalism/Strategic Communication graduate
"I designed my cap with my little self in mind. If my younger self could see everything she has accomplished throughout her college career, she would be in disbelief. As a kid, I thought dreaming big wouldn't get me far and that I needed to chase a more "realistic" path. But once I got to Flagler College, I was quickly inspired by my peers and professors who pushed me to step outside of my comfort zone and chase my passions. This cap is a love letter to my younger self, but also a love letter to everyone at Flagler who has helped that little girl become the woman she is today."
Sydney Gossman
Psychology graduate
"I am continuing to chase my dreams of being an occupational therapist (OT) by starting OT school this fall to receive my Occupational Therapy Doctorate. Hence why the O and the T are highlighted in the design of my cap. I have loved my time at Flagler, I felt like this design was a subtle way to say goodbye while foreshadowing my achievements to come in the future."
Hillary Neumann
History graduate with Creative Writing and Education Minors
"As a history major, I always look for what women were doing during a story that centers on men. My cap features twelve of my favorite historical women who inspire me with one of my favorite feminist history quotes."
