Design and Architecture Senior High School Honors Class of 2020

MIAMI, FL — Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Design and Architecture Senior High School are honoring the Class of 2020 to coincide with the school's virtual graduation on June 15.

The school is highlighting one student below who represents the achievements of the entire graduating class.

Sarah Mendoza

Sarah Mendoza has overcome homelessness, bullying and tremendous struggles with her gender expression and identity. Further, she has overcome chronic, painful and debilitating health conditions. Sarah was accepted to DASH, arguably the premier art and design high school in the state, as one of only four sophomore transfers granted acceptance that year. This is a testament not only to her talent, but to her sheer determination. In addition, Sarah's achievements include completing 130+ volunteer hours, fulfilling an internship in Japan and teaching art to middle school children.

In an effort to ensure that the Class of 2020 graduates at Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) receive the pomp and circumstance they deserve, the District is holding virtual graduation ceremonies for each high school. The live streaming of each virtual graduation, as well as a schedule of ceremonies and a video archive can be accessed by visiting Classof2020.dadeschools.net. The ceremonies are also televised on WLRN Channel 17.

The virtual commencement ceremonies will be followed by an in-person Class of 2020 celebration at each high school either in the summer or winter, once it is safe to do so under public health guidelines.

In addition to the virtual ceremonies, the District has launched a marketing campaign to highlight outstanding seniors, and invite the community to celebrate graduates on social media using the following hashtags: #MDCPSGrad, #Classof2020, #MeetMDCPSGrads and #SeniorSpotlight.