63 seniors take the wheel in Lopez High School Class of 2020 graduation ceremony
This has been an unusual year for almost all graduates across the country — including those at Lopez High School in Arroyo Grande.
With coronavirus erasing all the usual hallmarks of a high school experience, and removing students from their campus and friends, the Class of 2020 has seen unprecedented times.
But that didn’t stop the continuation high school’s graduating class from having a rolling good commencement ceremony.
On Wednesday, June 3, the school celebrated the achievements of its 63 graduating seniors with a sunny drive-through ceremony at its campus.
Graduates bedecked in the school’s maroon robes waltzed across a stage set up in front of the stage while their families watched from cars.
Family members hung out of car windows smiling and taking pictures of their students while a line of mask-wearing teachers and staff waved signs behind them.
The graduates themselves were all smiles as they grabbed their diplomas and walked down the path, ready to enter the next phase of their lives.
Lopez High School Class of 2020 achievements
Lopez High School’s Class of 2020 celebrated a range of achievements on Wednesday after a particularly unusual year for many of the students.
Emilie Younger was this year’s valedictorian with a 3.89 GPA. Delany Merino Aguilar was salutatorian with a 3.34 GPA.
Thirty-two of the graduates will be attending either Allan Hancock College or Cuesta College this fall, and two are joining the military.
Lopez High grads from the Class of 2020 received more than $19,000 worth of scholarships. Nine students received some kind of financial award.
Principal Jennifer Bowen said this class in particular has shown many of the qualities of exemplary Lopez High School students.
“Being a student at Lopez High School requires GRIT,” she told The Tribune. (GRIT is the school’s student pledge, standing for Goals, Responsibility, Independence and Team.)
“The LHS Class of 2020 has shown their true GRIT by meeting their goals, being responsible during this unique and difficult year, showing perseverance by finishing their senior year independently and at the same time working and supporting their families and community by being part of the team and #InThisTogether,” she added. “We are so very proud of your resilience and accomplishments, Class of 2020. We will miss you. Please stay in touch so we know what great things you are up to in the future!“
This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 5:00 AM.
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