By Monica Cheng
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While many of her friends chose not to buy a Herff Jones class ring, freshman Stacey Gooch decided to purchase one. If events go as scheduled, Gooch should receive her ring sometime today.

“I’m buying the class ring partly because my brother bought one when he was in high school,” Gooch said. She also said she thinks buying a ring is a great way to commemorate her time in high school.

Founded in 1920, Herff Jones products are found nationwide as well as in some European countries. The company is responsible for making Carmel’s class rings and its caps and gowns.

“(The class rings) are supposed to represent the interests, studies and sports that shape every individual and group,” Ken Keltner, the Herff Jones representative for this school, said. “It has a way of capturing the ‘spirit of the group.’”

According to Keltner, students may choose to have their name, school mascot or graduation year to be shown on their rings. Keltner said the most popular class ring designs comes with the student’s birthstone or  the school’s mascot, the fighting greyhound.

“Some people may not buy (the class rings) because of the price, or they just don’t like jewelry,” Gooch said, although she said she is happy with her choice.

“Personally, I think it’s really worth it, though, with all the perks that come along with it. You only go to high school once, and it’s a good way to remember those years.”