Sara, Thanks for responding. The striping ceremony is dedicated to 1st year nursing students as recognition of completing a very demanding year. The stripe I believe was originally meant to be placed on the cap. Each school would have their own unique stripe. The tradition has been continued in some schools even though the caps have not. It is a meaningful recognition to the students and an opportunity to share this accomplishment with family/friends. I would like to know if anyone out there has a school that still practices this beautiful ceremony. Kathy