Nipomo High School brings 209 graduates together for parking lot ceremony

Nipomo High School was the final Lucia Mar high school to hold a graduation ceremony for its seniors this year, and of course, they had to do it a little differently.

While cars literally drove onto Central Coast New Tech High School’s campus during its ceremony, and Arroyo Grande and Lopez high schools both set up entirely drive-through graduations, Nipomo High School brought its seniors all together one last time on Friday, June 5.

Still appropriately social distanced, though.

The high school had students and their families park their cars in the school’s parking lot, where everyone was then allowed to watch pre-recorded speeches from their various graduation speakers.

It offered one last opportunity for the Class of 2020 to come together after a year that was less than normal.

After the speeches concluded, the colorfully decorated cars lined back up and drove through to drop off seniors to individually walk across stage and get their diplomas.

Nipomo High School Class of 2020 achievements

Nipomo High School’s Class of 2020 featured seven valedictorians, all with a GPA of more than 4.4. Those seven seniors are: Eric Ahler, Elena Crist, Saige Gardner, Claire Wellenkamp, Hunter Long, Dannon Sanders and Vianie Merino.

Forty-eight Nipomo High grads are going on to four-year universities, 79 will attend a local community college and eight are planning on joining the military.

Nipomo High grads from the Class of 2020 received more than $80,000 worth of scholarships, awarded to 25 students.

Principal John Denno said this year’s class is “equipped for career, educated for college, and empowered for community like no previous class.”

“Their perseverance and sacrifice during this spring semester has influenced them in a manner that extends far beyond our school, into our community, region, state, nation and world,” Denno said. “Our community has an unwavering belief in these graduates, knowing they will commit to making a difference and continue to grow individually while working cooperatively as citizens and neighbors. We look forward to seeing where they take their Titan PRIDE.”

This story was originally published June 7, 2020 at 12:59 PM.