The first of the Manteca Unified School District’s Commencement & Celebration event was held Thursday in the District Office.

Front and center belonged to 11 students from the Adult Transition Program / Young Adult Program – part of special education services.

“This is a year of opportunity,” said Principal Brad Harrison of the Manteca Adult School, echoing the program’s motto. “Make this your year.”

Many of those awarded certificates have made plans to further their education.

Mariana Sanchez, for one, is already enrolled at Delta College, where she hopes to someday work daycare.

Gao Xiong, who is described as being independent, is going to Wayfinders in Fresno. This is a two-year independent living certificate program for young adults with intellectual and / or developmental disabilities – classes are held at Fresno State via the Open University program.

The MUSD graduation program had that personal touch from teachers speaking on behalf of their students.

Teacher Kelly Rockey couldn’t be there in person but shared kind words of her students via online. “In my 22 years (with the program), this is the first graduation I missed,” she said.

Rocker honored Erika Ruiz, Rachel Morales Perez, Kristina Getchell, and Lauren Gusman. The latter was also the student speaker.

Here’s the complete list of the Class of 2022 graduates – Moneer Boujja, Hans Denum, Kristina Getchell, Lauren Gusman, Elizabeth Kenyon, Rachel Morales Perez, Gabriel Rodriguez, Erika Ruiz, Mariana Sanchez, Mishael Torres and Gao Xiong.