Michael Erdman rode in style to his diploma pick-up event at Sierra High on Friday.

Sitting high atop the back seat of his family convertible, the Class of 2020 valedictorian rolled along the motorcade route through the campus parking lots and driveway, wearing his graduation cap and gown to mark this special event.

He was among the 327 seniors enjoying yet another extended graduation event. A few weeks ago, classmates were recognized at their Senior Parade, a similar-type event through campus.
For that, Principal Steve Clark recognized his staff for making both events special.

"It was a great way to send off our seniors," he said, adding that many have been away from school for the past few months due to the stay-at-home orders to minimize the COVID-19 pandemic. "The last time we saw our kids was right before Spring Break."

The SHS diploma pick-up had two staging areas for photos — one was professional shoot for graduates only while the other was for graduates and their family.

"This graduation experience has been more personal. It's been good to have family being a part of it," Clark said.

Next up is the actual graduation ceremony planned for 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1.

"We still don't know what type of graduation -- will it be inside the stadium or virtual," said Clark.

Erdman and salutatorian Kaitlyn Rausa will be there. Both will be among the students speakers for the summer commencement exercises.

Unfortunately, according to Clark, some 10 members of the graduating class will be absent.

"They've enlisted (in the armed forces) and wil be off to boot camp by then," he added.