The Manteca Unified School District recognized the 30th anniversary of Joshua Cowell Elementary School during the look back at 2024.

Rather than an anniversary, Principal Stacy Valencia referred to the school-wide event held back September as a “birthday,” in appealing to the younger students.

She was joined at the morning assembly by previous principals – Harriet Myrick, Bonnie Bennett, and Christie Newman. 

Valencia has been in charge of the Joshua Cowell administrative team since 2021.

According to MUSD’s social media page (proudtobemusd), Bennett was remembered for capturing the spirit of the school that day.

“I love that each day, all Joshua Cowell students and staff grow their minds by learning new things and grow their hearts by caring for classmates, families, and each other,” she said.

Among the original teachers at Joshua Cowell was Jerri Brown.

The school opened on Sept. 28, 1994, with Brown and a handful of the original staff making the move to the new campus via old Yosemite School.

The Manteca Unified campus is named after the man who established the Manteca townsite. Valencia echoed that, informing young students at the assembly on how the school got its name.

For Brown, the school has always been her home away from home. “I spent half my life here – the people here are like my second family,” she added.