Santa Barbara Graduates Share Memories in a COVID Year

The graduating classes from Santa Barbara County high schools have had a senior year that they could never have expected. So far there have been no proms, no special senior celebrations, no hanging out with their friends. Even their graduation ceremonies have been disrupted. But 2020 is the only high school senior year they will ever know, so we asked students at all the schools in the South County to submit a photograph or artwork that best records a happy memory of their senior year. In the next few pages are a few selected examples of their work. One theme is often repeated — the strength and kindness of friendship.

Sebastian Tellez

San Marcos High School

Friends are what made my high school experience memorable.

Yao Bi

Dos Pueblos High School

When the Dos Pueblos Concert Band was selected to be part of a youth performance at Carnegie Hall, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The fact that I played there at the age of 18 is pretty surreal regardless of the context. And one of the great parts of that New York City trip was waking up very early and walking around Central Park with my friends from the band. This photo is of some of my friends standing on top of one of the park’s many boulders. For me, it embodies our ability to realize opportunities, to make our own decisions, and to make the most out of the limited time we’re given. I’d like to give a huge thank-you to our band director, Mr. Daniel Garske, because without him, this trip would not have been possible.