Turning New Pages

Riley Ward is sitting down in class focused on her assignment on March 2, 2026, in Manteca, California, at Manteca High. (Rob Nelson/The Tower) 

By GABRIEL SHAVER 
The Tower 

MANTECA — As the end of the school year rings closer, seniors are busy preparing for the ultimate milestone, graduation. From choosing caps and gowns to perfecting speeches, this year’s graduating class is getting ready to celebrate years of hard work and unforgettable memories as they step into the future. 

Devon Richardson is sitting down in class tracing out a superman logo with a marker on March 2, 2026, In Manteca, California, at Manteca High. (Rob Nelson/The Tower) 

Manteca High’s school year is coming to an end. For the senior class, this means more than just finals and assignments; it’s a time to reflect, celebrate, and prepare for one of the most memorable moments of their high school journey. For many, the end of high school is a time to pause and take in the experiences that have shaped them over the past four years. 

As the final days of high school unfold, it's hard not to think about the friends who have been by your side through the ups and downs. From sports games to homework assignments, friends have been there motivating and assisting you when challenges occur in the classroom can bring feelings of sadness. 

“I’ll miss my friends from the volleyball team, especially since I have a lot of friends that are Juniors here,” says Riley Ward, senior at Manteca High and Varsity Volleyball player when asked in third period. The relationships built over years of practice and competition are hard to replace. The transition from high school sports to life after graduation often feels bittersweet. As athletes like Ward will leave an environment, she’s grown close to and an experience that has shaped much of their high school experience. 

For many seniors, the next step after graduation is heading off to college, and with it comes many emotions. There’s excitement about independence, new experiences, and the chance to meet new people, but also nerves about the unknown. Adjusting to a new academic setting, living away from home, and stepping into a world where responsibilities are heightened can be scary. 

“I’m planning on going to Folsome Lake College to pursue my sport baseball,” said Devon Richardson, a senior varsity baseball player when asked in third period. After years of playing high school sports, Richardson is ready to continue his athletic journey at the college level, where the competition and expectations will be higher. “I’ll definitely miss the pep rallies and the excitement of our football games," said Richardson. The school spirit that defines these nights will be hard to let go of, especially for those who have been involved in student sections, spirit weeks, sports games, and other traditions that bring the whole school together for entertainment and bonds. 

As graduation approaches, the senior class at Manteca High reflects the friendships, memories, and experiences that have shaped their high school journey. The excitement of the future that brings endless possibilities with it. For Ward, Richardson, and countless others, the moments they’ve shared with teammates, classmates, and school traditions will remain cherished memories as they step into new chapters of their lives. Graduation is not an end, but rather the beginning of a new adventure, filled with growth, challenges, and success.