Joaquin Rodriguez is putting together a video on East Union High’s graduation.

During last month’s diploma pick-up event, he was back at his old stomping grounds, directing seniors along with Peter Gale, who is the Coordinator of Instructional Technology / Media Publications for the Manteca Unified School District, as part of his “quasi-documentary,” according to Principal Raul Mora.

“It’s great having Joaquin here,” he said of Rodriguez, who is an EU graduate from the Class of 2014.

Joaquin Rodriguez had an added incentive to get involved with this production. “My sister (Carmen Rodriguez) is among the EU graduates,” he added.

This was just one more bonus for the Class of 2020. There are tentative plans for a traditional commencement ceremony at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1.

Not too long before the diploma drive thru, Mora and his staff were thrilled to see some 350 show up along the drive through the school parking lots as part of the Lancers Senior Parade.

Since the global COVID-19 pandemic, most of the members from the graduating senior class have been off campus doing distance learning as part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s stay-at-home orders.

“This is my first time back,” said Raul Doroteo, who is planning to go to Modesto Junior College to study Physical Therapy.

He enjoyed the set -up of getting to wear his cap and gown with diploma in hand and making his way through the various photo stations.

The same went for Cindy Bribiesca, who proudly displayed her diploma while dressed in her graduation garb. She’ll be attending Sacramento State in the fall.

Mora wanted to go the extra yard for his seniors.

“I wanted this to be more than just turning in books,” he said.