DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Class of 2020 will be celebrated on the morning of Saturday, June 6, with a parade through town starting about 9 am and will be guided by the Dixon Police and civic organization volunteers.                    

“We want people to celebrate students so we are encouraging people to come out of their homes and whistle, hold up a sign, or wave flags as the procession continues through town but, we must also practice social distancing,” said Dixon High School Principal Stephanie Marquez. “These students have been through so much and we know they are going to make a difference in our world. They embody the strength, grit, talent, and love that make our town and school great!” 

Marquez has been discreetly working on this plan for several weeks but was never sure things would go through due to the pandemic restrictions constantly changing. The plan included collaborating with Lion’s, Rotary, Kiwanis, Soroptimist, Dixon Business Association, Women’s Improvement Club, Dixon Police Department, Living Hope Church, Dixon United Methodist Church, City of Dixon, Sober Grad Night Committee, and parent groups.

The Senior Car Procession includes the Senior and his or her family in a drive through town with their immediate family on Saturday, the original date set for the traditional graduation ceremonies prior to the quarantine. The decorated cars are to line up at Hall Park beginning at 7:30 am. There are 242 students so potentially there could be that many vehicles and the timing of the ceremony could be prolonged.

If you hear a bunch of horns honking and lots of noise, it is most likely the parade coming by led by School Resource Officer John Malone. The procession will conclude with a diploma ceremony at DHS. The principal is expecting the site to be “beautiful, festive and worthy of our grads, with tons of decorations, and a professional DJ,” Marquez said.

While the event is only for DUSD staff, graduates, and families, there will be live streaming of the celebration so friends and families can be a part of the festivities.

Students will walk up to a stage to receive their diploma, program, and gifts from the principal and will be announced by senior teachers. Graduates will then return to their vehicle and be ushered out by their teachers and staff with fanfare.

“Our graduates are our best product,” Marquez said sounding full of pride. “That is what we grow at DHS: Awesome people!”