The Mark Highlights - Senior Edition 2020

SENIOR EDITION - JUNE 2020

Maya Sangalang

Joshua Vargas

East Union High School

Lathrop High School

Michael Erdman Sierra High School

Melissa Poncini

Manteca High School

Sabrina Mai Han Ton Weston Ranch High School

CLASS OF 2020 VALEDICTORIANS #proudtobemusd

MUSD School Board President Bob Wallace, Area 7 Vice President Eric Duncan, Area 1 Board Clerk Kathy Howe, Area 2 Karen Pearsall, Area 3 Marie Freitas, Area 4 Cathy Pope-Gotschall, Area 5 Stephen Schluer, Area 6 MUSD Superintendents Dr. Clark Burke, Superintendent Roger Goatcher, Deputy Superintendent Mission Through smart actions and decisions, MUSD will work together using meaningful, measurable and aligned data for all students to achieve mastery of grade level standards in all subjects based on their unique educational pathway in a safe environment inclusive of design, security, and climate.

Our

Vision

Every student works to achieve grade level standards, feels safe, and is supported to realize individual success.

We are

@proudtobemusd

BY THE NUMBERS This special Senior Edition of the Mark Highlights celebrates our top academic students from each of our high schools.

We also celebrate two honorable mention students of each principal’s choice.

School Graduates BE.Tech 36 Calla 96 East Union 381 Lathrop 275 Manteca 388 New Vision 40 Sierra 327 Weston Ranch 235

What’s Inside?

East Union High School

4

Lathrop High School

8

Manteca High School

12

Sierra High School

16

Weston Ranch High School 20

BE.Tech 24

New Vision High School

26

Calla High School

28

D E C E M B E R 2 019

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The Mark Highlights

EAST UNION HIGH SCHOOL Maya Sangalang

San Joaquin Delta College - Nursing “The highlight of my high school career has been my participation in my school’s varsity cheer team.”

Valedictorian

Ciaran Kemptner

San Joaquin Delta College - General Education “My dream job is to become a physical therapist.”

Jestin R. Abraham

Salutatorian

CSU Stanislaus

“I will never forget all the lessons I learned from high school. From Colonel Tao and Sgt. Moreno teaching me about leadership, Mr. Keith’s interesting life stories, my counselor Mrs. Sim who helped me throughout my high school career, and to my best friends Nathaniel, Harnoor, Jack, and Walter for being like family to me. ”

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Lancers Lead, Others Follow Jack Li

San Joaquin Delta College - Civil Engineering

“I am most grateful for all the friends that I have made over these four years. Without them, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”

Kayla Bottoms

California State Stanislaus - Nursing “The best part of my high school career was being recognized as the top student for my achievements in science and honored the Sandia Science Award.”

Andrew Joseph Aluy

UC Davis - Biomedical Engineering “The best day of high school was the day I learned that I was recommended to attend a highly selective program for the American Legion Boys State.

Through this program, I was able to improve my leadership skills and make useful connections.”

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The Mark Highlights

EAST UNION HIGH SCHOOL Maribelle Carranza

University of California Berkeley “My career goal is to become an applied behavior analysis therapist and do Autism research.”

Katelin Bean

Modesto Junior College - Agricultural Animal Science “The highlight of my high school career has been my time spent in the FFA program. I enjoyed competing on the Agricultural Mechanics/Welding Team, participating in public speaking competitions, and showing my livestock at the San Joaquin County AgFest where I have won many champion titles. ”

Trista Denfip

Undecided - Robotics Engineer “I am most grateful for Mrs. Yoder, Mr. Hillier, and Mrs. Krug for making all of my advanced courses fun. I am also grateful for my parents who have supported me through all my choices during high school. ”

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Lancers Lead, Others Follow Brooklyn Johnson

Student Board Member CSU Fullerton - Public Administration “I hope to one day work in communities, either through government work or charities. I want to change the lives of those in need and use my position in my career to impact those without as many opportunities.”

Principal’s Honorable Mention

Tony Rattansack

CSU Northridge - Film Production “The highlight of my high school career has been holding the position of ASB President because it’s provided me with the opportunity to create change and connect with East Union’s amazing faculty.”

Principal’s Honorable Mention

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LATHROP HIGH SCHOOL Joshua Vargas

UCLA - Applied Mathematics “I am most grateful for the ability to experience as much as I’ve had throughout high school, from sports to activities.”

Valedictorian

Evelyn Moua

CSU Sacramento - Biology

“Push yourself to do things you never thought you could have done because if you don’t, you’ll never know what you could have achieved.”

Salutatorian

Darlene Hoang

UCLA - Business Economics “The highlight of my high school career was starting a Dress Drive collecting prom dresses and giving them to girls in my community.”

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Respect the Shield Jennifer Claire Santillan

University of the Pacific - Business Administration “ There’s a time in your life where you’ll feel as if no one is on your side, and that the world is against you. But, the greatest part about being young is that you have all the time in the world to achieve your dreams! Make things happen, and be kind!”

Isabel Terra

University of the Pacific Health Exercise / Sports Sciences “The highlight of my high school career was maintaining a 4.5 GPA while playing Softball, and being nominated for Homecoming Queen!”

Julia Odom

Student Board Member UC Merced - Political Science

“After graduating from college, I want to further my education in law school to become an attorney specializing in immigration and global affairs. My dream job is to work for the United Nations as a diplomat or legal officer. ”

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LATHROP HIGH SCHOOL Safah Nassimi

UC Davis - Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior “The highlight of my high school career was volunteering with Women’s Empowerment at Women’s and Children’s Homeless Shelter.”

Sanah Nassimi

UC Davis - Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior “I am inspired by my parents for always supporting and believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. ”

Harsimar Oberai UC Merced - Biology

“I am inspired by my older sister because throughout my life, she has influenced who I am as a person and what I should always strive to be which is successful and happy.”

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Respect the Shield Ashley Gaspar

San Joaquin Delta College - Nursing “My career goal is to become a nurse practitioner, specializing in psychiatric nursing. ”

Kimberly Bareng

San Joaquin Delta College - Graphic Art “The highlight of my high school career was being Assistant Drum Major of the band.”

Principal’s Honorable Mention

Bernice Ann Vilches CSU Sacramento - Nursing

“Find something you’re passionate about and surround yourself with people who will support your journey.”

Principal’s Honorable Mention

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The Mark Highlights

MANTECA HIGH SCHOOL Melissa Poncini

UC Davis - Computer Engineering “I am proudest of my work in the robotics programs at Manteca High. I felt very in my element as I was able to create large scale projects including coding and tech construction.”

Valedictorian

Mikayla Sarmento

UC Irvine - Nursing

“I am most grateful for the dedication that my teachers have shown by committing their time and effort into helping me succeed. I am also extremely grateful for my parents’ constant support of my dreams and education, and their unwavering love.”

Kerren Zou

Salutatorian

UC Berkeley - Haas School of Business

“September. Manteca High Tennis Team. The endurance... the intensity... the RAWNESS... Tied between us and the other team. I am the only one left playing while my teammates watch from the sidelines. She wins a point. Then I do. Eventually the ball drops on her side two times in a row and my whole team comes running cheering, and we jump in a tight circle together completely overjoyed. My TEAM CAPTAIN let’s ME do the breaking cheer. Me...? Needless to say, I was completely touched.

And what became my favorite high school moment ever. We had won...drum roll... a shirt. The COOLEST, GREATEST shirt ever. ”

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Honor the Code Destiney Herrera Sandoval

California State Stanislaus - Liberal Studies

“I am inspired by my mother who has been the most important role model in my life, and has made many sacrifices for my siblings and myself to have the life we have, and the education we have today.”

Yan Ki Ma

UC Davis - Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior “Don’t live with regrets, do what you enjoy!”

Kiersten Mendel Melan CSU Stanislaus - Nursing

“In high school, I met many new friends and people.

My shared experiences with them have led to more personal growth, allowing me to become a better person overall.”

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MANTECA HIGH SCHOOL Sanliya Stanly

CSU Sacramento - Nursing “I am most grateful for my teachers that helped me every step of the way.”

Anchaleena James

UC Davis - Biomedical Engineering

“I am most grateful for my family and all the support they give me.”

Nicklaus Pio

University of the Pacific - Speech Language Pathology “I will never forget all of the support there was in every athletics team at MHS. I’m thankful to be part of a sections boys’ tennis team!”

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Honor the Code Julia Moreno

UC Berkeley - Computer Science “My career goal is to find a job that allows me to use my computer science degree, while also incorporating my interest in art and design.”

Martha Avila

San Diego State University “I plan to pursue a career in the field of psychology and eventually become a clinical psychologist with my own clinic.”

Principal’s Honorable Mention

Trevor Lightsey

CSU Stanislaus - Business Administration

“I am inspired by two very strong women in my life, my mother, Teri Lightsey and my DECA advisor, Debbie Hill. Both of these women have helped guide me through my life and my high school career. They helped pave the way for a bright future and will continue to have a positive impact on my life.”

Principal’s Honorable Mention

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SIERRA HIGH SCHOOL Michael Erdman

University of the Pacific - Biochemistry “One of the highlights of my high school career was playing on the varsity golf team all four years while making long-lasting memories with some of my closest friends. ” Valedictorian

Kaitlyn Cassie Rausa

UC Davis - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

“My dream job is to become a pediatric anesthesiologist/pediatrician.”

Salutatorian

Vanessa Plascencia-Gomez CSU Stanislaus - Nursing

“In the future, I hope to work as a pediatric nurse practitioner and/or own my own private practice.”

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A Tradition of Excellence Kanani Drummond Nursing

“I am most grateful for everyone in my life that has supported me, loved me, and offered me advice.”

Grace Zhen

UC Irvine - Biological Science “I am inspired by my mother who always works hard.”

Isabel Muzquiz

UC Santa Barbara - Actuarial Science “In the future, I would love to manage risk and offer financial protection for companies dedicated to preserving the environment and wildlife.”

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The Mark Highlights

SIERRA HIGH SCHOOL Evelyn Alvarez

UC Davis - Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior “The best moment in high school was the moment I realized what I wanted to do with my life.”

Nadia Petrovic

San Diego State University - Business “Take time to be celebrate your successes. We do amazing things everyday that we don’t give ourselves enough credit for.”

Madison Willox

University of the Pacific - Mechanical Engineering “I will never forget my freshman and sophomore year basketball team who became my family. They pushed me to become the best person I can be, and have supported me every step of the way. ”

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A Tradition of Excellence Madison Boyd

Azusa Pacific University - Nursing

“I am most grateful for the people of Sierra High School. I am so thankful that God brought fellow students and staff members into my life to guide me through these unforgettable four years. ” Principal’s Honorable Mention

Adib Guedoir UC Davis

“The highlight of my high school career was scoring the first goal in the championship game against 1st place Weston Ranch to win VOLs. ”

Principal’s Honorable Mention

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WESTON RANCH HIGH SCHOOL Sabrina Mai Han Ton

University of the Pacific - Pre-Pharmacy “I am inspired by the front-line workers who have sacrificed their time and lives to help people from COVID-19.”

Valedictorian

Brittany Vang

UC Davis - Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior

“You often feel tired, not because you’ve done too much, but because you’ve done too little of what sparks a light in you.” - Alexander Den Heijer

Edria Jabil

Salutatorian

UC Davis - Pharmaceutical Chemistry “The highlight of my high school career would be the time spent with the clubs I was involved in.”

The Mark Highlights 21

We teach, inspire, and prepare our students for college and career success.

Sarisha Jacobs

UCLA - Pre-Human Biology / Society

“ I want to become a pediatric cardiologist and work at a public hospital.”

Isaiah Maxie

Willamette University - Public Health “My highlight of my high school career has been taking advantage of all opportunities such as playing sports, going to dances, taking part in clubs, putting myself in uncomfortable positions on purpose in order to provoke growth, and building ever lasting relationships with students and staff.”

Kenny Tran

UC Santa Barbara - Statistics and Data Science

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”

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WESTON RANCH HIGH SCHOOL Brian Arevalo

UC Santa Barbara - Physics “I am most grateful for everyone that has helped me through high school, taught me many lessons, and gave me unforgettable memories. ”

Angelee Rivera

UC Davis - Biological Sciences

“I have enlisted in the US Army Reserves as a Combat Medic/Healthcare specialist (68W) and will be attending UC Davis while I complete my duties.

I plan to pursue a career in dentisty and serve the US Army as a dentist on active duty.”

Ramanjit Singh UC Davis - Biology

“I will never forget any of my teachers that constantly put their efforts into making me a stronger student. Especially Mr. Salas for tutoring me early in the morning and Mrs. Mejia who placed her trust in me and selected me as the lead Spanish tutor.”

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We teach, inspire, and prepare our students for college and career success.

Mariana Espinoza Soria

San Joaquin Delta College

“I am most grateful for Mrs. Baptista who was always there when I needed her. She helped me so much with my writing and also helped me gain confidence in myself. ”

Arianah Calvo

Cal State Fullerton - Computer Science “My career goal is to become a physician assistant and specialize in either pediatrics or emergency medicine. I also want to explore the tech side of the healthcare world. ” Principal’s Honorable Mention

Titus Haley

Morehouse College - Kinesiology

“I am most grateful for my mom, Sherry, and my dad, Russell, for the time and effort they have put into my life so that I can be who I am today.”

Principal’s Honorable Mention

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BE.TECH HIGH SCHOOL Isabella Sanchez

California Institute of the Arts - Character Animation

“My dream job is to work at Atlus/Intelligent Systems as a concept artist.”

Kaylee Dollar Nursing

The highlight of my high school career was attending Be.Tech and being able to take advantage of all the boundless opportunities they award us. As a Be.Tech First Responder, I got to experience handson work with equipment and real life education of all things first responder.

Jesus Estrada

San Joaquin Delta College - Video Game Design “I am most grateful for being given the opportunity to attend this school and prepare myself for my future career.”

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Maria Alcazar Criminology

“I am grateful for these amazing 4 years I had at Be.tech. I learned to appreciate both the highs and lows of this journey.”

Tyler Bell TIG Welding

“The highlight of my high school career was winning the 2019 Skills USA California State TIG welding competition.”

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NEW VISION HIGH SCHOOL Bryan Martinez Aguirre Undecided

“I am most grateful for having all great teachers that helped me out and also my family.”

Heidi Yang

San Joaquin Delta College “My dream job is to become a licensed clinical social worker.”

Ayleen Lopez

San Joaquin Delta College - Business “My career goal is to have my own business.”

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KeTyna Lewis

San Joaquin Delta College “The highlight of my high school career was the experience and finding myself.”

Jaeoncee Barrette UEI - Medical Assistant

“I am most grateful for Mr. Hurst and Ms.Lyn. They have always been there for me when I needed help and are the best teachers in the world.”

Kaylee Mikaio

Paul Mitchell Cosmetology “After high school I plan to enroll in Cosmetology school and pursue my passion in makeup and beauty.”

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CALLA HIGH SCHOOL Mayrin Contreras Cosmetology School

“I am most grateful for my mom. She knew I was stressed and still believed I would graduate on time; I ended up graduating early. She made me feel better on my bad days. ”

Yesenia Monique Ramirez

San Joaquin Delta College - Business

“I plan to open up my own garden nursery for children with disabilities. I want them to have a place to feel safe and have fun.”

Sebastion Williams Undecided

“My dream career would be in writing, game design or animation.”

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Angelina Bettencourt

Modesto Junior College - Sociology

“I hope to make a difference in the lives of children who don’t yet have a voice for themselves. My dream job is to be a social worker.”

Scott Cook

United States Navy “I am most grateful for my parents who are always pushing me to do better.”

Christian Deshawn Fort Los Angeles Trade Tech

“My dream job is a Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Rail Operator.”

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CALLA HIGH SCHOOL Jamari West

San Joaquin Delta College “I am most grateful for the people who guided me back on track to graduate. Thank you for not giving up on me and helping me look forward to the future.”

Ofelia Perez-Martinez

San Joaquin Delta College - Nursing

“My career goal is to work at a hospital as a nurse and help people in need.”

Douglas Richards

Universal Technical Institute “My dream is to become a diesel mechanic and open my own auto shop.”

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TOP 10 CLASS OF 2020 SENIORS East Union High School 1. Maya Sangalang 2. Ciaran Kemptner 3. Jestin Abraham 4. Jack Li 5. Kayla Bottoms 6. Andrew Aluy 7. Lourdes Ceja 8. Maribelle Carranza 9. Katelin Bean 10. Trista Denfip Principal’s Honorable Mention Brooklyn Johnson Tony Rattansack

Lathrop High School 1. Joshua Vargas 2. Evelyn Moua 3. Darlene Hoang 4. Ashley Gaspar 5. Jennifer Santillan 6. Isabel Terra 7. Julia Odom 8. Safah Nassimi 9. Sanah Nassimi 10. Harsimar Oberai Principal’s Honorable Mention Kimberly Bareng Bernice Vilches

Manteca High School 1. Melissa Poncini 2. Mikayla Sarmento 3. Kerren Zou 4. Destiny Herrera Sandoval 5. Yan Ki Ma 6. Kiersten Melan 7. Sanliya Stanly 8. Anchaleena James 9. Nicklaus Pio 10. Julia Moreno Principal’s Honorable Mention Marth Avila James Trevor Lightsey

Sierra High School 1. Michael Erdman 2. Kaitlyn Rausa 3. Vanessa Plascencia-Gomez 4. Kanani Drummond 5. Grace Zhen 6. Isabel Muzquiz 7. Jassan Gill 8. Evelyn Alvarez 9. Nadia Petrovic 10. Madison Willox Principal’s Honorable Mention Madison Boyd Adib Guedoir

Weston Ranch High School 1. Sabrina Ton 2. Brittany Vang 3. Edria Jabil 4. Sarisha Jacobs 5. Isaiah Maxie 6. Kenny Tran 7. Brian Arevalo 8. Angelee Rivera 9. Ramajit Sing 10. Mariana Espinoza Soria Principal’s Honorable Mention Arianah Calvo Titus Haley

Calla High School 1. Frank Carranza 2. Mayrin Contreras 3. Yesenia Ramirez 4. Sebastion Williams 5. Matthew Dallas 6. Erick Nduko 7. Angelina Bettencourt 8. Scott Cook 9. Christian Fort 10. Jamari West Principal’s Honorable Mention Ofelia Perez-Martinez Douglas Richards

New Vision High School 1. Andrea Barrios 2. Vannah Gorospe 3. Bryan Martinez 4. Heidi Yang 5. Ayleen Lopez 6. Ketyna Lewis 7. Jaeoncee Barrette Principal’s Honorable Mention Kaylee Mikaio

BE.Tech High School 1. Isabella Sanchez 2. Kaylee Dollar 3. Jesus Estrada 4. Maria Alcazar 5. Tyler Bell

CLASS OF 2020 SALUTATORIANS

Ciaran Kemptner East Union High School

Evelyn Moua

Lathrop High School

Mikayla Sarmento Manteca High School

Kaitlin Rausa

Sierra High School

Brittany Vang

Weston Ranch High School

The 2019-2020 school year ended in a way no one expected. The year started strong, the senior class excelled at many activities both in and out of the classroom. Despite our difficult times, it has been truly amazing to witness the Class of 2020 persevere. The full transition to distance learning began in April with the order to shelter in place from city, county, and health officials. The lives of our students completely turned upside down; all social gatherings disappeared overnight, all activities impacted, all athletic programs seized, and we found time with our families at home. We were worried that distance learning was not going to meet your needs and we were concerned about your overall well-being, your emotional resiliency. However, you did not sit back, you did not allow the tidal wave to roll over you. I personally know students who continued to work hard, kept their grades up, and received their diploma in the end.

I know that you experienced great loss, much was taken away from your class: Prom, Senior Sunrise, Grad Night, Sober Grad, Senior and Sports Awards nights, just to name a few. This was very disappointing. It was disappointing to you, to your parents, teachers, administrators, coaches, and community members. Many of us were compelled to create and invent new ways to celebrate YOU, the Class of 2020!

Make no mistake of how much this community cares about you. It was remarkable to witness the hard work of one particular young lady, Karleen Kurys, who made an Adopt a Senior Facebook page with 729 participating community members and 221 adopted seniors just to celebrate and spread joy. The many senior parades, senior sports drive-throughs and other events provided us more opportunity to celebrate you. Did you see the large banners with every senior’s name displayed in every city? The Baccalaureate celebrating all high school seniors with the help of Crossroads Church was certainly an emotional event. I hope that in many ways you felt supported by our community, because you are very important to us.

Yes, you will always be able to say that you were the COVID-19 Class of 2020. More importantly, you will be able to say that you made it. You graduated with obstacles unlike anything else we have ever seen.

We have learned many things about what is important: to keep joy through challenges, look for the best in people, and how significant it is to spread compassion to one another.

Congratulations Class of 2020!

Clara Schmiedt Senior Director of SecondaryEducation

#proudtobemusd