The Commencement & Celebration Thursday for the Manteca Transition Program (Level I , II) had plenty of farewells and goodbyes.

Eleven students – between the ages of 18 through 22 – in the Adult Transition & Young Adult Program are moving on to other programs and opportunities.

In fact, the theme to this special event held at the Manteca Unified District Office, according to Principal Brad Harrison, was “What’s Next?”

His program specialist Marie Millin is retiring after 38 years. Zachary Franceschetti took over her position.

“This program has always been a spark of joy,” Millin said.

Teachers Kelly Rockey and Nancy Souza are moving on to other opportunities.

The morning event belonged to members of the graduating Class of 2023. Honored were Justin Aguiar, Jacob Goatcher, Zachary Gray, Sharnpreet Kaur, Joy Martinez, Eric Rosas, Marcus Teicheira, Gerald Wells, Jacalyn Kusy, Angela Lewis, and Claudia Llamas Morales.

Stories of each were shared by their teachers during the presentation and awarding of certificates.

Rockey, for example, called her student, Goatcher, a “heckler.”

He kicked off the ceremony by leading in the Pledge of Allegiance. A film buff, Jacob Goatcher also educated his teacher on everything about the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

He’s looking forward to learning what it takes to work behind the film camera, Rockey noted.