Press Releases

On Monday, July 27 at 11:00am Gonzales public works department will begin hanging 42 new banners featuring a picture of each college and career bound 2020 high school graduate either holding a pennant or wearing swag from their future college.  Last year was the first year the city put up banners in Central Park and along 5^th Street to honor college bound seniors and the goal was to make this initiative an annual tradition.  The 2019 banners have been hanging all year to encourage current high school students and inspire future generations. Banners from the Class of 2019 will be given back to the families who want them, and the remaining banners will be placed in common areas of the school sites.

"We are in challenging times due to COVID-19, but it did not deter us from continuing this initiative to celebrate the student's accomplishments.  The banners inspire all our youth to focus on the future and achieve academic success.  It was important for us to stay the course and keep this tradition going," said City Manager Rene Mendez.

The banners honor those going to local community college or technical school as well as individuals going to 4-year universities. High school graduates from Gonzales High School, Palma and Notre Dame are represented.  This year graduates will be attending California Polytechnic State University, California State University Bakersfield, California State University Chico, California State University East Bay, California State University Long Beach, California State University Monterey Bay, California State University Stanislaus, Fresno State, Gavilan College, Hartnell College, Monterey Peninsula College, Sacramento State, Santa Clara University, University of California Berkeley, University of California Davis and Washington State University.

"We are very proud of all our high school graduates and excited to celebrate them for a second year by placing the Future Focused banners on 5^th Street.  It is our goal that the banners showcase their success in transitioning from high school to their post-secondary aspirations," said Candice Camacho, Educational Services Coordinator at Gonzales Unified School District.

The banners are part of a much broader approach by the city and school district to focus on youth development and engagement from grade school to high school graduation. It is "The Gonzales Way" an approach that has defined the community.

For more information visit www.gonzalesca.gov or call city hall at 831-675-5000.