Members of Manteca High’s Class of 2018 played it forward at Thursday’s annual graduation ceremonies.
They shared plenty of fond memories on this unseasonably cold and windy evening, reflecting on the past four years while looking ahead to the future.
“Don’t go backward,” said senior class President Barragan, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance.
She was among the 338 graduates on this day. Barragan along with the other graduation speakers – most notably, valedictorian DeAngelo Caldera and salutatorian Runvir Chouhan – reflected of their times at MHS.
They even roasted and gave shout-outs to their favorite teachers and classmates.
Caldera recalled finally taking a class taught by Frank Fontana, who was also his tennis coach. “(Fontana) told us that ‘none of you are intelligent – you’re just good at playing school,’” he said.
Based on that, Caldera, who will be attending Stanford University in coming months, jokingly noted he was No. 1.
“In truth, high school doesn’t really matter – being valedictorian will be worthless in three months,” he said.
Chouhan played football for the two-time Sac-Joaquin Section Division III champion Buffaloes under Eric Reis. He’ll never forget the words of offensive line coach Dan Eavenson.
“He had two rules – No. 1, don’t be stupid,” Chouhan said. “No. 2, don’t break the No. 1 rule.”
Student Body President Koryn Menasco acknowledge the school’s ‘Tradition of Excellence,’ recognizing the past classes along with former and present teachers and faculty.
“We’re now part of that ‘Tradition of Excellence,’” she said to fellow graduates.
Denise Pasion announced the California Scholastic Federation Awards. The MHS teacher and CSF advisor remembered the first time when just five seniors earned this award. She proudly recognized 51 students from the graduating class on receiving CSF honors.
The processional “Pomp and Circumstance” as performed by the MHS band under the direction of Anthony Dahl opened up the special evening.
Principal Frank Gonzales, who provided the introductions, presented the class for the certification of diplomas.
Making the acceptance was Manteca Unified Deputy Superintendent Roger Goatcher.
He along with district officials Jacqui Breitenbucher (Chief Business Officer), Kathy Ruble (Director of Career & Technical Education / STEM), and school board members Steven Schluer (president) and Bob Wallace (vice president) had the honor of awarding of the diplomas.
They shared plenty of fond memories on this unseasonably cold and windy evening, reflecting on the past four years while looking ahead to the future.
“Don’t go backward,” said senior class President Barragan, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance.
She was among the 338 graduates on this day. Barragan along with the other graduation speakers – most notably, valedictorian DeAngelo Caldera and salutatorian Runvir Chouhan – reflected of their times at MHS.
They even roasted and gave shout-outs to their favorite teachers and classmates.
Caldera recalled finally taking a class taught by Frank Fontana, who was also his tennis coach. “(Fontana) told us that ‘none of you are intelligent – you’re just good at playing school,’” he said.
Based on that, Caldera, who will be attending Stanford University in coming months, jokingly noted he was No. 1.
“In truth, high school doesn’t really matter – being valedictorian will be worthless in three months,” he said.
Chouhan played football for the two-time Sac-Joaquin Section Division III champion Buffaloes under Eric Reis. He’ll never forget the words of offensive line coach Dan Eavenson.
“He had two rules – No. 1, don’t be stupid,” Chouhan said. “No. 2, don’t break the No. 1 rule.”
Student Body President Koryn Menasco acknowledge the school’s ‘Tradition of Excellence,’ recognizing the past classes along with former and present teachers and faculty.
“We’re now part of that ‘Tradition of Excellence,’” she said to fellow graduates.
Denise Pasion announced the California Scholastic Federation Awards. The MHS teacher and CSF advisor remembered the first time when just five seniors earned this award. She proudly recognized 51 students from the graduating class on receiving CSF honors.
The processional “Pomp and Circumstance” as performed by the MHS band under the direction of Anthony Dahl opened up the special evening.
Principal Frank Gonzales, who provided the introductions, presented the class for the certification of diplomas.
Making the acceptance was Manteca Unified Deputy Superintendent Roger Goatcher.
He along with district officials Jacqui Breitenbucher (Chief Business Officer), Kathy Ruble (Director of Career & Technical Education / STEM), and school board members Steven Schluer (president) and Bob Wallace (vice president) had the honor of awarding of the diplomas.
To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.
