“We are looking forward to celebrating our seniors this year”

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Caps, gowns, gold ropes, and commencement speakers are back on the calendar as Dixon High School readies for the 2021 graduation at the high school stadium on Saturday, June 12. The ceremony begins at 9 am, weather permitting, and will also be livestreamed. That is great news for about 225 students and the normal crowd of cheering families.

“We are super excited to be back on campus,” said DHS Principal Stephanie Marquez. “We are looking forward to celebrating our seniors this year.” Several other traditional senior activities have been scheduled as well with minor location or time changes.

Sober Grad Night is one of them. It will be held on campus on the same night as graduation but will be from 8 pm to 1 am. Last year, grads did not get this special treat due to the pandemic.

Some special activities have been added to “Decision Day”, though, and most likely due to the huge success of the Graduation Parade last year, will include an on-campus drive-thru. It will be on Thursday, May 13, and seniors are invited to decorate their cars. They will receive cap and gowns, senior signs, and gift bags. “Decision Day” is when the seniors commit to their future plans which may include a 4-year college, junior college, vocational school, branch of the military, academies such as fire or CHP, internships, job, “gap year” or other.

On Monday, May 17, the school will hold their Scholarship Ceremony outside in the campus Quad. Traditionally, this has been held inside the school theater with many representatives and scholarship award presenters from community civic organizations, businesses, and families. This year and due to keeping with lingering COVID-19 restrictions, one person from the presenting organization or company may attend and scholarships will be handed out by the Principal to the honorees.

Then, on Monday, May 24, there will be the Distinguished Scholar Night which honors all the students who have earned a 4.0 GPA or higher and that student’s choice of one “Esteemed Educator”.

“If people could see these students, the students would set the adults on their ear!” Marquez said. “They are struggling in terms of a pandemic and it’s hard to watch teens that have put up with what they have put up with. They are wearing their masks and doing what they have to do. They bring this school to life!”