The tassel turned project
sponsored by Jolie & Rae Photography
because every graduate's journey looks different.
For some, graduation comes with cheers, parties, and professional photos. For others, the road to the finish line is marked by financial hardship, family challenges, illness, loss, unexpected responsibilities, or obstacles that make the achievement even more meaningful.
The Tassel Turned Project exists to celebrate graduates whose stories deserve recognition and whose accomplishments deserve to be remembered. Through community nominations, selected graduates receive a sponsored photography experience designed to honor the journey that brought them here.
Know a graduate who deserves to be celebrated? Teachers, counselors, coaches, family members, friends, and community members are encouraged to submit a nomination.
Visit our nomination page to learn more about the program, eligibility, and how to nominate a graduate.
how to nominate or get nominated
Who can be nominated?
We welcome nominations for graduating students of all ages and educational paths, including:
- High school seniors
- College and university graduates
- Trade school graduates
- Adult learners
- GED recipients
- Students overcoming personal, financial, family, or health-related challenges
- Graduates with inspiring stories of perseverance, growth, or achievemen
Can i nominate myself?
Absolutely.
While many nominations come from teachers, coaches, counselors, friends, and family members, self-nominations are welcome May 1st through June 30. If your story deserves to be celebrated, we encourage you to share it.
What do recipients recieve?
Selected graduates receive a complimentary graduation mini session through The Tassel Turned Project. Graduates who would like additional time, locations, outfits, or images may also apply their award toward a discounted upgrade to one of our standard graduation packages.
Our goal is simple: to ensure every graduate has the opportunity to celebrate their achievement, regardless of financial circumstances.
How do i nominate someone?
Nominating a graduate is simple. Complete our nomination form, or connect on a preferred social media, and tell us about the graduate's story , accomplishments, and the journey that brought them to this milestone. Nominations may be submitted by teachers, counselors, coaches, family members, friends, employers, community members, or the graduate themselves.
We review every nomination individually, focusing on the person's story rather than popularity, votes, or social media following. Self-nominations are welcome May 1st through June 30.
How are recipients selected?
Every nomination is reviewed individually by Jolie & Rae Photography. We look beyond grades, popularity, and social media presence to focus on the graduate's story, perseverance, achievements, and overall impact. There is no public voting process, and selections are based on the information provided in the nomination.
Why are recipients featured on your website and socials?
The Tassel Turned Project is designed to celebrate graduates and share stories that inspire others. As part of the program, selected recipients agree to allow Jolie & Rae Photography to feature images from their session on our website, social media platforms, and future project materials. By sharing these stories, recipients help us raise awareness for the program and encourage future nominations.
Ready to nominate?
tell us their story.
Every graduate's journey is different.
Some have overcome financial hardship, family responsibilities, illness, or personal setbacks. Others have excelled academically, dedicated themselves to their communities, demonstrated leadership, or inspired those around them through their perseverance and character.
The Tassel Turned Project exists to celebrate graduates whose stories deserve to be seen, shared, and remembered.
Complete the form below to nominate a deserving graduate. Nominations may be submitted by teachers, counselors, coaches, employers, family members, friends, community members, or the graduate themselves.
Self-nominations are welcome May 1 through June 30.
Giving back beyond the session
A portion of select sessions may be set aside to support causes that care for families, communities, and the environment.
Contributions may vary by session. Clients are always welcome to suggest a cause that matters to them.