Last week’s graduation ceremony at Sierra High was a farewell event for five longtime staff members.

Included were Dan Cunial, who was one of four of original instructors when the Manteca Unified school site first opened 30 years ago, and Music Director Rick Hammarstrom, who famously wrote the Timberwolves’ fight song.

They were joined by teachers’ Chris Courtney and Janet Sanders, and campus monitor Diane Silva.

Principal Steve Clark recognized the five retirees, sharing the following:

Chris Courtney

His 36 years in education was “filled with gratitude for the incredible journey” he experienced.

Courtney, who spent these past 25 years at SHS, brought real-world science into the classroom with his experience with NASA’s SOFIA program. 

He was an Airborne Astronomy Ambassador, where he learned about infrared radiation and its applications in explaining astronomical phenomena – Courtney shared that knowledge with his students.

He also taught Physical Science, Algebra, Geometry, and Algebra 2.

Along with assisting in designing the IPESS class – integrating physics, chemistry, and Earth and space sciences into cohesive units for students needing an alternative to chemistry – Courtney was involved in the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s SIMMS grant, which allowed him to learn coding in NetLogo and develop lessons for his classes.

In addition, he coached Science Olympiad (10 years) and Science Bowl (20 years).

“As I step into retirement, I carry with me the memories and experiences that have made this journey so meaningful,” said Courtney, who also coached various sports during his time at Riverbank High prior to SHS.

Dan Cunial

He began his educational journey in 1989 at Lathrop Elementary School, where he taught World History and Physical Education for five years.

In 1994, Cunial moved over to SHS to initially teach Driver’s Education / Orientation and P.E., transitioning a year late to teach World History before settling into American Government and Economics.

He was among the Original Four – the others were Nora Anaya, Amy Rosendin, and Richard Boyd – that was acknowledged earlier this year, celebrating the school’s opening on Aug. 29, 1994.

But it was coaching that added another layer to his connections with students, where it was about hard work, pushing through challenges, building trust, and teamwork.

“Some of the strongest relationships I’ve built came not from the classrooms, but from the field or the court,” said Cunial, who coached girls’ basketball at SHS for 12 years beginning in 1994 – prior to that, he was the freshmen girls’ basketball coach at East Union high for three years.

He also coached football, coaching the freshmen team at EU for five years, and freshmen teams at SHS. Cunial coached the sophomore teams under head coach Greg Leland in 2006 and the varsity team under coach Jim Harbinson until 2014.

“I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and fulfillment – teaching, at its core, is about connections,” he said, looking back on his 36 years in education.

Rick Hammarstrom

He enjoyed a 40-year career in education that began in Fresno followed by three years at Arbuckle coupled with nine years at McParland and Nile Garden schools.

Hammarstrom, who spent the last 27 years at SHS, performed “Pocket Change,” playing keyboard alongside student musicians during graduation, calling themselves “Hammer and The Nails.”

His journey in education was enriched by his experiences as a standout student at Hayward High, where he played football, basketball, baseball, and even one season of badminton (MVP varsity basketball, Most Inspirational varsity football in his junior year, and MVP football as quarterback in his senior year) – Hammarstrom was actively involved in the Symphonic Band and Jazz Band and served as his sophomore class president.

He was the recipient of the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award as well at Hayward High.

During his years at Ricks College, Hammarstrom was awarded the Best Instrumentalist award and had the privilege of performing with BYU’s top bands for four years.

His professional career included being named to the Manteca Mayor’s Council Artist of the Year (2012), SJC Secondary Teacher of the Year (2014), and the Crystal Apple Award (2017).

In 2017, Hammarstrom was inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame.

And in 2023, he was a finalist in the Great American Songwriting Contest.

Hammarstrom reflected on his career, saying: “What truly matters to me are the relationships and connections I have built over the years – I am incredibly grateful for the support of my colleagues, the dedication of my students, and the live of my family.”

Janet Sanders

Her story reads like fairytale, according to Clark.

Sanders, who spent 19 of her 34 years in education at Sierra High, was inspired by her Italian world language teacher in high school and, following a world travelers club activity to Italy, told her parents she was going to live there some day.

That day is coming soon as, Clark added, her fairytale steps into her next chapter is moving to “the hillside in a quiet little village in Tuscany, Italy.”

Over her education career, Sanders taught English 1-3, ELD, Peer Resource, Reading Support, and English Honors 2.

“Through her storied career, Janet has taught elementary, middle, and high school in Stockton and Manteca. Through reading, collaborating, attending professional development, she constantly learns and grows as an educator, pushing herself to serve her students,” said English Department Chairperson Christina Young.

Sander’s daughter Sloan said that she’s “the mother who wore two hats with grace (mother and teacher)” while never giving up on her children or students.

Diane Silva

She been with MUSD for 31 years, including the past 20 at SHS.

“(Diane) is quiet, diligent, and she completes her job requirements (as campus monitor) at the highest level,” said Clark.

Silva’s daughter wrote a poem about her on Mother’s Day, which read: “Since 1993, you walked those halls with a steady hand through countless calls.

“A watchful eye, a caring heart, you’ve played a quiet, vital part. You kept the peace, stood firm, stood true, each child safe because of you.

“Now the whistle rests, your shift is done, it’s time to rest, relax, and have fun.

“A mom, a guide, both strong and kind. A rare and beautiful soul combined. Today we cheer for all you’ve done – Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, you’ve won.”