The Manteca High Class of 2022 was back at Guss Schmiedt Field Thursday for graduation.

This was the return of the traditional event at MHS since 2019.

Over 350 of the classmates participated in the special event, entering midfield with the playing of the processional “Pomp & Circumstances” as performed by MHS band under the direction of Cody Marchetti.

Senior class President Emalyne Lundbom opened the program by welcoming those in the jampacked stadium.

Advisor Denise Pasion announced the students receiving the California Scholastic Federation Awards while teacher Kim Cope recognized the recipients of the National Honor Society Awards.

As the top academic students, valedictorian Ariana Lowery and salutatorian Loriz Panlaqui had the honors of addressing the class, sharing their thoughts of the past four years.

Principal Frank Gonzales, who not only presented both Lowery and Panlaqui, provided the introductions and presented the class for certification.

Manteca Unified Chief Business and Information Officer Victoria Brunn accepted the class for the distribution of diplomas.

In addition, seniors and alumni showed their school spirit by performing the MHS fight song. That was part of student body President Kimberly Yu’s recognition of tradition.

The celebration ensued at the conclusion of the ceremony as families, friends and guests shared the moment with the new graduates of the school.