San Marcos grads get modified “diploma moment” onstage

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Even amid the ongoing pandemic, San Marcos High School graduates are getting their quintessential graduation moment.

Many members of the Class of 2020 will walk across the school's outdoor Greek Theatre stage Monday through Wednesday, each hearing their name announced before receiving a diploma cover and posing for pictures with principal Kip Glazer.

The "Stage Walk" is being spread out over three days in order to follow physical distancing and other health guidelines. Parents and friends of graduates can also attend.

“A huge relief, a lot of work off my shoulders,” graduate Bryan Bajonero said after walking across the stage. “During the pandemic, I feel like even though most of us at home didn’t have the school year we wanted—with prom and all the extracurricular activities—I feel like we pulled it off in the end.”

Each graduate walks across the stage during a five-minute window before leaving and allowing the staff to welcome the next graduate.

Glazer says outgoing school district superintendent Cary Matsuoka will appear Wednesday as the last San Marcos graduate walks across the stage. Matsuoka's tenure is ending as the current school year does.

The Greek Theatre used to be the annual graduation location for San Marcos students before the ceremony was eventually moved to the football field.