The Manteca Adult School graduation ceremony was a celebration of accomplishment.

About half of the 30 listed in the program were recognized at the special event held in the Manteca Unified School District building on Thursday.

They got to this point by doing the work, showing persistence and overcoming the many challenges, according to Principal Diane Medeiros.

Counselor Larry Machado was aware of the obstacles that these graduates faced in earning their high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate.

“It took courage for you to start this back-to-school process,” he said to the Class of 2019.

What’s more is that many also had to juggle their studies with that of adult responsibilities, Machado added.

Balbina Velasquez, who is a mother of four, just saw her 17-year-old daughter graduate high school. Before that, she decided to do likewise by going back and graduating.

Raquel Malapit is working towards becoming a counselor. She was thankful for her second chance of going back to school after overcoming her addictions.

“For those struggling, you can do it,” she said.

Members of the Manteca Adult School graduating class were:

Tasheyana Allen, Alexis Aguilera, Jesse Aguilera, Paul Bellinger, Hamza Bouthour, Jordan Browder, Rosa A. Chavez, Danny Davis, Yajaira De Lara, Elizabeth Escobedo, Danessa Estrada, Abelina Euan, Cynthia Ferretti, Katia Garcia, Silvia Gonzalez.

Chris Graham, Dony Ibanez, Ana Juan, Raquel Malapit, Jacob McClellan, Clarissa Monsivais, Everardo Orosco, Timothy Rumble, Aida Sanchez, Dawin So Keomanivong, Lena Teixeira, Balbina Velasquez and Alyse Wagner.