JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --  Graduation is two weeks away at First Coast High School and a short lived controversy ended with seniors now being allowed to wear graduation cords symbolizing their academic achievements and involvement.

Seniors found out on Friday morning that principal Vincent Hall was reversing course after telling students earlier that cords would not be part of graduation garb this year.

"I worked real hard, two years National Honor Society, for nothing. That would have been terrible," said Colton Seals who now will be allowed to wear his cord.

Colton's mother was upset too after learning First Coast High had planned to break with tradition.

"The principal wanted uniformity," said Rhonda Seals, who added she appreciated the principal changing his mind.

Duval County School district spokeperson Jill Johnson said the principal was too busy to talk with the school year coming to an end. Johnson would only say the principal had changed his mind.

Parents and students are pleased that First Coast High will not break with tradition with cords still part of the ceremony.

"Graduation is their day to showcase who they were during high school," said senior Helen Lamb, who will be wearing her cord for being in the math honor society.

First Coast News