As Santa Fe High School seniors approach the final days of their high school career, Santa Fe is finding ways to safely recognize 509 members of the Class the 2020, their accomplishments over the last four years and their ability to persevere under the most unexpected circumstances.
Following social distancing guidelines and facial covering requirements, Santa Fe meticulously organized grab-and-go opportunities to provide seniors their graduation packages, which included caps and gowns, medals and yard signs on May 21. The signs were sponsored by the Whittier Union High School District Educational Foundation.
The school also recognized high academic achievers and scholarship winners during a virtual Senior Awards program.
Santa Fe will graduate 509 seniors, including valedictorian Griselda Chavez, who will attend Dartmouth University, and salutatorians Lizbeth Gonzalez and Evelyn Paniagua, both of whom plan to attend USC.
“These past four years have been filled with setbacks and accomplishments. Despite the mishaps, I've always been motivated with knowing that I could set my own limits and could only grow stronger from the obstacles,” said Chavez, who plans to become an environmental lawyer. “I am thankful for the endless support of my friends and consider myself lucky to have been aided by a strong community of guidance counselors, educators and peers.”
Graduations have been postponed until late July to give seniors time to make up any classes necessary during summer school and allow extra time for public health restrictions to be eased.
Learn more about some of this year’s graduates and their post-secondary plans.
Published May 28, 2020