As someone who has been a student at Haverhill Public Schools for my entire educational career, I have always been aware of the significance of Haverhill High School's brown and gold colors. Since Haverhill High does not have a traditional mascot, the students are called upon to represent what being a Hillie means. Over my entire high school career, I have been proud to represent my school by cheering in the stands at Trinity Stadium and to wear our brown and gold colors as a uniform for the sports I have participated in. For years it was tradition to have our proud graduating Hillies dressed in brown and gold gowns at graduation, but unfortunately that tradition distinguished students by gender rather than their accomplishments. However, when it comes to Hillie Nation, there can be no brown without the gold. I believe that students at Haverhill High School should have the choice to decide which color gown they would like to wear as they walk across the stage and celebrate the incredible accomplishment that is graduating. This choice will give graduating students the freedom and empowerment that they deserve. When I look around at my graduation this year, I want to see my peers dressed in brown and gold. This year, however, they will not be defined by their gender, but be defined as proud Hillies.