By Raiza Giorgi
publisher@santaynezvalleystar.com
The Class of 2020 made lemons into lemonade as they were not allowed to have the typical graduation experience, however there was still a big amount of pomp and circumstance as they took their celebration to the road with a parade around the Santa Ynez Valley.
Bystanders stood on the streets and waved or held signs as the horns were honking when the graduates came through. Even the Solvang Stormtrooper came out to celebrate the occasion.
The parade started in Buellton and worked their way through Solvang to Santa Ynez, then to Ballard and Los Olivos and tracked back to end at the football field at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School. They were able to take a few moments to see their teachers and get a photo op on stage.
The senior class picked up their diplomas the day before the parade and were handed a gift certificate and goodie bag from El Rancho Market.
The original plan for a full ceremony on June 5 just wasn’t feasible with the social distancing guidelines, according to school officials. The football field is also being redone starting June 8 and that hopefully gives sufficient time to work out details for a possible ceremony on July 24, although that hasn’t been confirmed.
Other ways of celebrating seniors recently was parents putting up yard signs, several slideshows and media presentations have been created and shared on line including a senior slideshow of the graduates.
There was also a Facebook group Adopt a Senior SYV, for the community to celebrate seniors with gift certificates and other unique ideas.
Congratulations to the senior class! We are proud of all your accomplishments!
