During junior year, members of the 2015 graduating class were herded into the auditorium. Why, might you ask? To listen to a presentation about class rings presented by a Jostens representative. I cracked open a book the second I arrived, I had no intention of buying a class ring. While I was reading I couldn’t help but ask the question: wait—why am I being solicited during school?

Getting a class ring is seen as a tradition in many families, but not in mine. There are many families that also don’t participate in this. But, given this presentation, I began to rethink my decision. If buying a class ring is so widespread and important that it is being sold in school—then maybe I need one. Many students had no intention of buying, or knowledge a class ring exists. After this presentation, students were influenced to reevaluate buying a class ring.

Buying a class ring is serious investment; the most expensive ring Jostens carries is nearly five hundred dollars. The lowest is priced at a whopping one hundred and fifty dollars. So, sixteen-year-olds are given a packet of pricey rings in school, under the impression that they must have them. Well, this can’t end well.

I’m not arguing that it’s wrong to get a class ring, I’m saying it shouldn’t be sold to students during school hours. We have no choice—we have to be there. Also, some may not know this, but Jostens isn’t the only place one can purchase a class ring. Why does Jostens get to sell their products, but not other brands like Kay Jewelers, Zales, Saxon’s, and Walmart? A few of my contemporaries have received their rings from other Jewelers at lower prices.

Senior Sarah Stephens explains, “I didn’t get my ring from Jostens, and it ended up being a lot cheaper. I’m happy with my choice.”

Instead of being in class, learning, I had to hear a pitch for a product I don’t need. I hope in the future, our school decides to discontinue this presentation. Students aren’t something to make money off of, they’re here to be educated.