Paso Robles holds Class of 2020 drive-up celebration ahead of a ceremony this summer
Paso Robles High School celebrated its seniors on Friday, June 5, with a drive-through parade ahead of planned small-group graduations in July.
Graduates and their families decorated their cars and cruised through the high school parking lot to receive their yearbooks and caps and gowns.
They drove vehicles decorated with written messages, balloons and photos through an archway adorned with ‘Seniors 2020’ and sparklers that lit up when cars traveled through.
Posters filled with seniors’ pictures hung on fences around the parking lot, and the Bearcat mascot was on hand to greet students alongside cheering teachers and staff.
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District’s continuation and independent study high schools, Liberty and Independence, had similar drive-through celebrations on Thursday.
“It’s been an incredible year,” Principal Anthony Overton said. “It’s been incredibly challenging, but this is an incredible class. And we’re just happy to be able to celebrate our Bearcats in any way possible, and we’re really just excited to see everyone in July for graduation at War Memorial Stadium.”
“I can’t speak enough about my staff and faculty,” he continued. “From the teachers to the clerical to the custodial, all of the work these amazing people have put in so our students can still have the best possible experience in these challenging times.”
Seniors from all three of the district’s high schools will formally graduate at 16 to 18 small ceremonies to be held July 8 to 11 at War Memorial Stadium.
Twenty-five seniors from the three schools will receive their diplomas at each ceremony to preserve coronavirus social distancing requirements for graduates and their families.
Paso Robles High School Class of 2020
Paso Robles High School graduated 397 seniors, most of whom are continuing their educations at four-year colleges and universities or at Cuesta College.
Danielle Halbesky, who graduated with a 4.84 GPA, was the Class of 2020 valedictorian. Jeremy Hunt and Robert Snipes were named co-salutatorians, as they both graduated with 4.75 GPAs.
Of the graduates, 107 plan to attend four-year colleges and universities in the fall, and 180 plan to enroll at Cuesta College. Fourteen seniors will attend other two-year colleges.
Twenty-five students will join the military, six students will attend trade schools, 79 students will join the workforce and two students will take time off from school and work.
The Class of 2020 received $227,850 in scholarships that was awarded to 83 students.
“I don’t even know where to start,” Principal Anthony Overton told The Tribune in a statement on this year’s graudating class. “2020 will forever be a year when the world was faced with truly unprecedented challenges. You have been tasked with making the best possible situation out of one of the most trying times we have seen in recent years.”
“I am so proud of our Bearcat Class of 2020 and the resiliency, caring, and understanding you all have shown even when faced with the most difficult news,” Overton continued. “While I am sure it doesn’t seem this way now, you will have a stronger, better future having lived through these challenging circumstances and coming out the other side ready to change the world. I believe this will be a class ready to tackle the trying times ahead and a new world where so many norms will be challenged. Congratulations Class of 2020, I know you will continue to make us proud because that is what Bearcats do!”
Liberty High School Class of 2020
Liberty High School graduated 105 seniors, many of whom plan to attend community colleges and join the workforce.
Kathryn Lantz, who graduated with a 3.32 GPA, was named class valedictorian. Emily Williams, who graduated with a 3.03 GPA, was named class salutatorian.
Sixty-seven graduates plan to attend Cuesta College in the fall, and two graduates will enroll at other community colleges.
Four seniors will join the military, 10 seniors will attend trade schools and 21 seniors will join the workforce.
One student will take time off from school and work.
Liberty and Independence high school seniors received a combined $12,500 in scholarships, which were awarded to 14 students.
“Every graduating class has a distinctive feel to it, but this class had a lot of personality,” said Principal Nate Maas of both high school classes. “They were a fun group to work with and our staff saw a lot of growth and maturity from this year’s graduates. Many in our Class of 2020 have clear and detailed plans for after graduation and we know that they will navigate well the uncertainties ahead. More than anything we will miss seeing them on our campus, but we look forward to hearing about their future accomplishments.”
Independence High School Class of 2020
Independence High School graduated 33 seniors, most of whom plan to attend Cuesta College in the fall.
Cali McWilliams, who graduated with a 3.93 GPA, was named class valedictorian. Mackenzie Corrales, who graduated with a 3.85 GPA, was named class salutatorian.
Twenty-three seniors plan to enroll at Cuesta College, five seniors will attend trade schools, four seniors will join the workforce and one senior will take time off from work and school.
This story was originally published June 5, 2020 at 4:17 PM.
