JSerra Catholic High School Graduates Celebrate Moving On In 2020

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — JSerra Catholic High School graduated 283 seniors on Saturday in stand-out, innovative ceremony as schools across the nation grappled with celebrations during a time of global pandemic.

One year ago, no one would have given a thought to receiving diplomas in person. This year, seniors were grateful for the hybrid drive-in ceremony offered by the school. The soccer field was transformed with sound stage, enormous banners, and much pomp and circumstance.

Senior families decorated their cars with balloons, signs and streamers. For most of the commencement, seniors and their families watched and listened to the festivities at the school’s soccer stadium from their cars, each parked a safe distance apart from each other.

A truly special moment came when the graduates were allowed to leave their cars – 10 at a time – to walk up to receive their diplomas. The seniors were spaced 6 feet apart and wore masks in accordance with county guidance. The live broadcast of the event that was streamed on the school website for friends and family not able to attend.Valedictorian Maria Valentina Osorio shared her thoughts on the unique ceremony.

“It was so great to be near other graduates and walk across a stage to receive what we have worked so hard to earn these last four years,” Maria said. “At the same time, my family from all over the world was watching and could participate in the celebration."

The evening featured a musical selection from graduate Kristine Guerry and a benediction by Father Damien Giap, as well as remarks by President Rich Meyer. The evening concluded with an extravagant display of biodegradable confetti raining down on the soccer field.

Principal Eric Stroupe gave his thoughts on the big send off.

“(Our seniors) bore an unfair share of the disappointments with the school year ending virtually," he said. "Our graduation let them know we are proud of them and love them and hopefully gave them a modicum of normalcy on their special day."

Everyone in attendance seemed to agree that the ceremony was, indeed, special.

Teacher, Teresa Huston, who had the honor of being a guardian to an international student who graduated, expanded on the day.

"If there was an Academy Awards for high school graduations, JSerra hands down would have won Best High School Graduation of the year," Huston said.

Graduate Sofia Santoro summed it up:

“After having sat through both my siblings’ 'normal' graduations, this was so much better and definitely unforgettable!"