Graduation at Calla High Friday was met with “bitter sweetness.”

Principal Michele Bryson called it that, celebrating the many accomplishments of the Class of 2023 – her first graduating class since taking over at midyear – while remembering her predecessor, Dan Beukelman.

The beloved principal at the Manteca Unified school site passed away in December following a short battle with cancer.

“We miss him greatly,” said Bryson, reflecting the lasting memory that Beukelman left with the Calla students, staff, and loved ones.

She was seated on the Calvary Community Church stage next to the empty chair draped with the late principal’s graduation robe.

Attendance clerk Marina Crain had the honors of announcing the recipients of the first-ever Dan Beukelman Scholarships – Allyssa Murillo, Dailen Felix Salas, Ramiro Ramirez, and Marvin Leiva.

They were among the 136 members of the graduating class.

“We closed a chapter of our lives today and now we turn the page to another,” said Yadira Ibarra, who was the student guest speaker at the special event.

The Senior Department Awards were also announced.

Honored were Gavin Vasquez (Algebra Robotics), Shauntice Savage (Art), Laci Villagomez (English), Jocelyn Salas (Leadership), Karla Lopez (Math), Ramon Carvajal (Physical Education), Nayla Garcia (Science), German Estrella (Service), Faith Fells (Social Science), and Allyssa Murillo (Yearbook)