Sonoma students honored at Justin-Siena graduation

Justin-Siena High School’s Class of 2020 celebrated a drive-in graduation on Friday, July 3. For the ceremony, the 122 graduates parked on the school’s lawn with their immediate families, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

With an 8-foot-high stage, an FM radio channel for listening from cars, and virtual live streaming for guests throughout the country, the class of 2020 was celebrated for its accomplishments and persistence through the global pandemic.

Among the awards bestowed at graduation, Sonoma Valley students were honored in several categories. Dante Cavaz won overall General Academic Excellence and was one of the top-ranking students, Morgan Dalcamo Scher won the school’s Senior Spirit Award, and Nolan Dunkle was also honored for being one of the school’s top-ranking students.

One hundred percent of Justin’s graduating class will matriculate to college, according to school officials, with 90 percent attending a four-year college/university. In addition, graduates reported earning more than $9.07 million in scholarships based on their academic achievement, leadership and/or service over four years.

Dante Cavaz of Sonoma is headed to Brown University and Nolan Dunkle is headed to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Contact Lorna at lorna.sheridan@sonomanews.com.