Manteca High named Distinguished School for second time in three years

The Manteca High administrative team, from left: Vice Principal Jonathan Langone, Vice Principal Debi Chavez, Principal Megan Peterson, Assistant Principal Neil MacDannald, and Athletic Director Eric Reis. (Photo contributed)

Manteca High principal Megan Peterson speaks with Tower reporter Elise Deleo about news of the school’s California Distinguished School Award on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Manteca, California. (Robert Nelson/The Tower)

ELISE DELEO 
The Tower 

After receiving the 2023-2024 California Distinguished School Award, Manteca High School has repeated the feat.

The oldest secondary school in the Manteca Unified School District, Manteca High School, under the direction of principal Megan Peterson, has achieved this proof of excellence for a second time in three years. News of this honor, which comes on the eve of mid-term exams, proves once again the dedication of the school’s teachers and students to the education provided at this institution.

“When I got here [Manteca High School], I knew there was something special,” Peterson said.

Each year, the California Department of Education honors schools based on their ability to support and reduce the achievement gaps of students. After receiving this award in 2023-2024, Peterson admits she was not expecting to hear Manteca High’s name announced a second time during her tenure. However, she’s also not surprised by the campus community.

“Everything is possible at Manteca High,” Peterson said.

Two years ago, Manteca High rose to the top of secondary schools in the state with improved test scores and by strengthening its testing structures. This time around, administration can point to the school’s dedication to closing the learning gaps for its English Learners. Assistant Principal Neil MacDannald credited ELD Counselor Rocio Carrillo, along with English Language Development teachers Veronica Bollwerk, Lucy Borba, Elyce Smith, Marissa Kekke, Clairelyse Touchon, Jessica Teicheira, and Aaron Moren for designing unique and innovative learning strategies, and championing EL instructions across all departments and classrooms.

There is a banner commemorating the 2024 California Distinguished School award hanging on a wall outside the front office at Manteca High School. (Robert Nelson/The Tower)

“I really think our staff is super talented. Not just in any one department but our school is very diverse and we have diverse learning needs and our staff recognizes that. They do a wonderful job of meeting students where they're at and bringing them up to be the vest versions of themselves,” MacDannald said. “Our ELD department in particular, they have been very creative and hard-working with strategies to help students who are trying to acquire English language proficiency. That's a big reason why we were selected for this award.”

Peterson echoed that sentiment.

“Our teachers are just outstanding,” said Peterson, who emphasized that the culture at Manteca High is often the separation, academically and athletically. "It happened twice so nobody can say that the first time was a fluke,” she said. “It is going to shape the culture and let everybody know that we are really good academically here as well … in addition to being very good athletically.”