Nipomo High School hands out commemorative yard signs to graduating seniors

NIPOMO, Calif. -- Dozens of students returned to the Nipomo High School campus Tuesday afternoon.

The students weren't there to resume class, which has now gone entirely online for the remainder of the school year.

Instead, graduating seniors came to school briefly to pick up a commemorative yard sign that honors the Class of 2020.

For two hours, seniors, along with family members, were given a sign in a drive-through style system.

The drive-through was held in the school's parking lot and the carefully orchestrated system helped ensure proper physical distancing.

As the students drove through, they received a huge welcome from several teachers and staff members, who lined the parking lot and cheered each of them as they passed.

It was the first time many of the students and teachers have seen each other since the last day of class on March 13.

"It was great to have an opportunity to see so many of our seniors today and provide them with the first of many ways to recognize and celebrate them," said principal John Denno. "Despite masks being worn, it was clear that our seniors, their parents and our staff all were smiling while getting to see one another again."

The brightly colored red signs included the school logo, and the message "#AllInThisTogether."

Two weeks ago, the Nipomo Booster Club held a fundraiser to purchase the signs.

Within three days, the group raised more than $3,000, which is enough to provide a sign to every single senior, which totals more than 200.

"We're so grateful for our incredible community," said Denno. "

Similarly, Arroyo Grande High School, along with Lopez and New Tech high schools, also held fundraisers.

All proved to be successful, generating enough money to purchase a sign for every senior in the entire Lucia Mar Unified School District.

Nipomo High School will distribute caps and gowns next Wednesday in a similar way to the sign giveaway.