KING CITY — Dozens of banners featuring Class of 2020 graduates from King City High School have been displayed around town to recognize their academic achievement.
California State University Monterey Bay’s GEAR UP program led the banner campaign in coordination with the high school and the City of King.
According to Deserie Lozano, associate director of CSUMB GEAR UP, the project was a way to “celebrate the achievements of our graduating seniors who have worked so very hard to excel in their academics despite the current circumstances,” she said.
A total of 43 banners were hung up on lampposts with the help of the city’s Public Works department. Each banner features a different Mustang graduate on both sides, and all 86 students showcased are honor roll seniors who graduated with an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
“We are all very excited and proud to recognize the students’ efforts and encourage them to continue their studies in college,” Lozano said.
GEAR UP, which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, provides early college awareness and support activities, such as tutoring and mentoring, for low-income, minority and disadvantaged first-generation students and their families. The program serves an entire cohort of students beginning in seventh grade and continuing through their first year of college.
“CSUMB GEAR UP is incredibly grateful to have King City and King City High School as such wonderful partners to serve our students,” Lozano said. “The contributions and support of the high school and King City were instrumental to make the project happen, and we are all incredibly proud to be able to celebrate the success of our students.”
