CHP officers support Aptos High student on graduation day

California Highway Patrol officers rallied behind a Santa Cruz County student on graduation day as a tribute to her father who died in the line of duty 16 years ago.

“Her dad John Pedro paid the ultimate price patrolling the roads in Santa Cruz county when he gave his life and passed away serving our community,” said Officer Sam Courtney, with the California Highway Patrol, “Sara at the time was two years old.”

More than a dozen officers were there to cheer on the teen as she graduated from Aptos High Thursday, June 7th.

“I kind of like turnaround and I see the first officer coming with these flowers and my diploma,” said Sara Jessica Pedro, “I had no idea it was going to happen and then suddenly so many more came and everyone’s just like cheering so loud and calling my name. I started crying but that’s to be expected.”

According to the CHP, the teen’s father died on June 3, 2002 while patrolling Santa Cruz County.

The officers attended the graduation to remind the teen that her father’s sacrifice hasn’t been forgotten.

“Ever since I can remember the CHP has been there for me and my mom in way too many ways to count,” Pedro said, “I know he’s always with me but it was really nice to have another physical presence here representing him.”

This fall, Sara starts school at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo where she’ll study communications.