By Mike Kinney
Their graduation won’t be traditional this year, but a lineup of lowriders made sure to bring a memorable moment to the Class of 2020 at Richmond High on Friday.
Twenty beautiful lowrider cars greeted students who showed up at the 23rd Street campus to pick up their caps and gowns.
“We in the lowrider community are very proud of these young people,” said Gonzalo Rucobo from Richmond’s Bay Area Peacekeepers, the community organization that partnered with Bay Area Lowrider Clubs and Car Clubs to honor the students Friday.
Arto Rinteelo, who graduated from Richmond High in 1974 is a member of the Vintage Style Car Club and brought out his 1960 Impala to show support. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Para-Addiego, a Richmond High staff member, brought her white 1963 Cadillac.
“We are just so proud of them,” Para-Addiego said. “I tell people that Richmond High is the best kept secret in the District. We have wonderful students here.”
The lowriders parked in front of the campus. Meanwhile in the campus parking lot, teachers and staff set up a drive-through cap and gown pick-up station.
West Contra Costa Unified District School Board Member Mister Phillips commended the show of support for the deserving students.
“I just want to say thank you to the community for coming out and showing them all of your love,” Phillips said.
