A TIMELINE OF CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

For the last hundred years, generations of Manteca High students have contributed to their school’s history and lasting traditions. In 2020-21, the school is celebrating its one-hundredth anniversary.

Though celebrations may look different than originally planned, MHS staff and students are finding ways to highlight the school’s storied past. One way is through a “100 Year Gallery” of memorabilia that hangs in the school’s front office hallway.

Mary Jones, account clerk at MHS and 2nd generation buffalo, is well known for her collection of MHS keepsakes. When principal Frank Gonzalez nominated her to spearhead the project, she happily accepted.

“There are 11 boards that hang in the hallway, each dedicated to a decade and a theme,” described Mary. “I made sure to include the famous bell tower on each board. MHS has 4th and 5th generation families who attended school when the bell tower was still here, and to this day we are still known for it; Even our yearbook is titled, ‘The Tower’!”

1920-1929

The gallery begins with the 1920’s decade, with the board’s theme dedicated to the school’s “firsts” in the years 1920-1929. The school opened its doors to students on October 20, 1920 with 32 students, 3 teachers, and 3 classrooms. Back then, Manteca Union High boundaries served high school students not only from Manteca, but from French Camp and Lathrop. Before the school’s existence, high school students were bused to Stockton high schools.

In 1922, the school built the original tower and held a dedication ceremony on January 27, 1923. The school’s first yearbook, The Tower Yearbook, debuted in 1923 and featured the 10 students of the graduating class of ’23.

Shorty and Roy, featured in the middle of the 1920s board, were the school’s first cheerleaders. “They were acrobats,” explained Mary. “They were known as ‘yell-leaders’ and would cheer the crowds at football games and other events.” The first Manteca Buffalo football game was played in 1923, where the team defeated Hilmar 20-6.

The school’s first and longest running club, the California Scholarship Society, formed in 1924 and is featured in the upper left corner of the decade’s gallery board. In 1928, the Manteca chapter of FFA was established.

1930-1939

Shown is a dedication board to Manteca High Pioneers, highlighting a particular individual Penny Baker.

Manteca High Pioneers— Early leaders in the school community. Particularly, this board features a dedication to Penny Baker, who was instrumental in the making of Manteca High School. Baker served on the original school board and the 1930 Tower Yearbook was dedicated to him in his honor.

“This decade features many new school clubs and committees,” explained Mary. “Tea parties to meet-and-greets, they had many social events during this time.” Clubs included the school’s Fire Squad Club, Airplane Club, the Buffalettes, Science Club, and two event planning clubs— one for the boys and one for the girls.

1940-1949

Achievement and Scholarship— School extracurriculars. Though many student groups and clubs started to form throughout the 1930’s, Manteca High saw an influx in varied extracurriculars during the 1940’s. Beginning with an all-girl archery club, a drum and bugle corps, mixed chorus, Manteca’s first orchestra, California cadet corps, and fire drill team to name a few. Also in 1940, girls were permitted to join the tennis team.

1950-1959

Various photos are displayed showing students enjoying the growth of the campus

All Around the School— School population and campus saw expansion. Nine new classrooms were added to house mathematics and orientation, and the school established the home economics building, mechanic shop, and other career technical education spaces.

The school formed its hallways, or ‘wings’ as we know them today. All Around the School previews students of the 1950’s enjoying the expanded campus and its offerings. Some of those buildings are still on the MHS campus today.

1960-1969

Photos of memorable moments at Manteca High School in the 60's

Inaugurating the 1960’s, the school dedicated its football stadium to Gus Schmiedt, and in 1968 Manteca’s Varsity team began a long series of football victories over East Union.

The buffalo gals, student council, and The Buffalo school newspaper were organized, alongside theatre plays, school assemblies, the Hello Hop, FFA barn dance, and formal dances such as Christmas formal and prom. In 1968, the Special Education Department was established and in 1969, The Tower was brought to rest.

1970-1979

Staff members from throughout the 1970’s. Namely, Steve Winters, Jeff Gaines, Dr. Edward Brasmer, Walker Vick, and Dorothy Mulvihill, each having a building on campus that bears their name.

Steve Winter: Former student, teacher, dean, and Manteca High principal — Steven Winter pool

Jeff Gaines: Former head of the MHS business department who initiated the school’s student store— Jeff Gaines Buffalo Corner

Dr. Edward Brasmer: The longest serving principal at Manteca High from 19721993— Edward Brasmer Library

Walker Vick: Former physical education teacher, coach, and school athletic director who served for 38 years— Walter Vick Field House

Dorothy Mulvihill: Former English and Drama teacher who helped cultivate the creative arts at MHS— Dorothy Blais Mulvihill Theatre

1980-1989

Frank Triglia poses in his letterman jacket on the left of the board— Frank is the school’s current academic counselor.

Seniors and Graduation— Largest number of alumni that make up current faculty and staff. Individual senior photos throughout this board are current faculty and staff members of Manteca High, including two alumni who have served as the school’s principals: Doug McCreath and Telka Wasler.

1990-1999

School Spirit— Camaraderie and pride make up the Buffalo. The white buffalo statue made his debut at the front of Manteca High School. The class of ’94 dedicated a passage to the white buffalo in The Tower, “This awesome creature lets his divine presence be known to all. Leading the herd over the meadow, he is a master of all he surveys. This magnificent creature fears nothing but the distinction of his kind.”

2000-2009

School Mural Museum — Most murals throughout the Manteca High campus were composed during this decade. Mr. Kurt Giovannoni, advanced art teacher, challenged his students to recreate a famous picture or painting as part of their final grade.

Some murals are no longer on campus due to recent modernization, however, there are also murals that have been added in certain areas on campus.

2010-2019

Manteca High sports teams that made history in the section and/or state championship titles

All about Athletics— In this decade, Manteca High earned the most section and/ or state championship titles in history; the top half and lower left of the board is complete with each of their team photos or memorabilia. The bottom right of the board highlights the school’s “Kicking for a Cure” fundraiser and soccer game — a new tradition started by history teacher and girls head soccer coach Justin Coenenberg.

“Kicking for a Cure” started in 2011 and has been raising funds at MHS ever since. The team photos taken prior to the match include the individual or organization sponsored for that year. In its first two years, funds raised went to the America Cancer Society, but as the tradition grew, Mr. Coenenberg and his team sponsored individuals within the community.

2020-Present

Representation of the progress and transformation of Manteca High as a new decade transpires

Modernization - As the school enters a new decade, MHS is seeing campus upgrades resulting from local bond Measures G and A. Projects currently underway include updating facilities such as the library, theater, student store, softball diamond, surrounding sidewalks, and a new entrance to the football stadium. New modernization will include a new gym, small gym, pool, and other security upgrades.

Additionally, Manteca High recently established a new character program widely known as “Honor the Code”, where administrators, teachers, staff, and even students, can honor any member of the school community for their exemplary character, impact, or achievements.

Though Manteca High School has seen many changes and evolutions in the past 100 years, one thing remains constant: The MHS community will always preserve and celebrate their history, traditions, and school pride.