Atascadero salutes ‘resilient, determined’ Class of 2020 with a drive-through at City Hall
When Atascadero school leaders learned the coronavirus would prevent them from celebrating the Class of 2020 with traditional ceremonies, they decided to make use of the city’s best asset — its picturesque City Hall.
Instead of walking across stages to shake hands with their principals, seniors from Atascadero, Paloma Creek and ACE Academy high schools cruised up to the city’s columned building in vehicles decorated with orange streamers, photos and balloons to receive their diplomas.
In total, the district celebrated the accomplishments of 366 students.
Roads were blocked off all around the Sunken Gardens on Wednesday, June 3, as students wearing their caps and gowns hung out car windows, stood up through moon roofs and sat in convertibles, Jeeps and lawn chairs set up in pickup beds to wave at their teachers, friends and family.
Supporter braved a warm day to cheer and hold signs that read “OMG you did it” and “Congrats grad” — City Hall was even decorated with orange “Class of 2020” banners.
“Pomp and Circumstance” played as announcers read students’ names and shared their post-high school plans while principals handed graduates their diplomas. Some seniors celebrated by popping confetti and honking their car horns as their names were announced.
KJUG Radio broadcast the ceremony, which was also livestreamed on YouTube for supporters who couldn’t make it to the event.
Atascadero High School Class of 2020
Atascadero High School graduated 263 seniors, with most planning to attend Cuesta College or four-year universities in the fall.
Johnathan Dolan, who graduated with a 4.56 GPA, was the class valedictorian. Anneline Breytenbach and Maci Christianson shared the title of salutatorian, as both graduated with 4.48 GPAs.
Following high school, 50 students plan to attend four-year colleges and universities, and 132 students will enroll at Cuesta College.
Five students plan to join the military, one student will attend trade school, three students will enter the workforce and two students will take time off from school and work.
Class of 2020 graduates received $150,000 in local scholarships, which were awarded to 151 students.
Principal Bill Neely said this year’s graduates have persevered through the COVID-19 outbreak to receive their diplomas and move on to bright futures.
“The Atascadero High School Class of 2020 was forced to adapt to the changes brought to them due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Neely wrote in a statement. “I would bet that the phrase ‘social distancing’ was not one they were familiar with six months ago. Nonetheless, they have persevered and are earning their diplomas and they are making plans to attend trade schools, community college, universities, the military and joining the workforce.”
“The seniors from the Class of 2020 will not be defined by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic, but rather by how they respond to those challenges,” Neely continued. “This is a resilient, determined group of young people who have learned to be strategic as they consider their futures, and I believe they will be successful in whatever their endeavors are.”
Paloma Creek High School Class of 2020
Paloma Creek High School graduated 62 seniors on Wednesday, most of whom will attend community colleges in the fall.
Thirty-nine students will enroll at Cuesta College, one student will attend Allan Hancock College and one student will study at Fresno City College.
Four students will join the military, six students will attend trade schools and 11 students will enter the workforce.
The Class of 2020 received $1,250 scholarships that were awarded to four students.
“Paloma Creek High School’s Class of 2020 has proven themselves to be resilient and flexible by adapting to unforeseen changes in school schedules while still managing to work, help with family, and resolve a variety of life’s obligations,” Principal Chris Balogh wrote in a statement. “Among our 63 graduates are 9 students who earned enough credits to graduate as eleventh-graders.”
“All of our students have plans to work, learn a trade, or pursue a degree,” Balogh continued. “We are proud of Paloma Creek High School’s Class of 2020 and wish them well!”
ACE Academy High School Class of 2020
ACE Academy High School graduated 41 seniors on Wednesday, most of whom will continue their educations at community colleges or four-year colleges and universities.
Twenty-three seniors plan to enroll at Cuesta College, and two students will attend four-year schools.
Two students will join the military, three students will attend trade schools, six students will join the workforce and one student will undertake mission work.
Twelve students from the Class of 2020 received $9,250 in scholarships.
“A common word when describing Atascadero Choices in Education Academy’s Class of 2020 is hard-working,” Principal Chris Balogh wrote in a statement. “Many of these students have made the choice to work or attend Atascadero High School, or attend Cuesta College while being enrolled at ACE Academy. Over a third of our students have already earned college credit!”
“They are self-directed and motivated individuals who have chosen to move on to a wide variety of paths after high school graduation,” Balogh continued. “We are thrilled with the accomplishments of our ACE Academy’s Class of 2020 and we look forward to hearing about their future endeavors.”
This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 12:46 PM.
