Salutations to the Salutatorian

BY KAILEE JACKSON
The Tower 

Manteca High Salutatorian Isaiah Devega has had a total of 56 As, 27 of which being in AP or Honors classes. 

As you go through high school, there are things you achieve regardless of who you are. One of the highest honors you can receive during that time is being salutatorian. 

This achievement relies on focus, endurance, and skill. Manteca High’s salutatorian Isaiah Devega checks all the boxes. 

Devega, who will mark his feat with a speech at graduation, has been in 18 accelerated classes at Manteca High. 

Not only does a salutatorian have to take part in rigorous classes, but they must also excel in them as well. Devega has had a total of 56 As, 27 of which being in AP or Honors classes. 

Not only is Devega a unit in the classroom, but he is also deeply in-rooted in Manteca Highs’ campus activities from sports to clubs. He plays an officer role in majority of the clubs he is a member of – Speech and Debate, College Prep, and Asian Pacific Islanders, to name a few – and is the boys tennis team's captain. 

Devega has been able to make quite the impression on the people that have come across him. With his talented mind, it is not a surprise he has caught the attention of teachers on campus.  

Specifically, Manteca High English teacher Jennifer Benson. 

“My favorite thing about Isaiah is that he is always willing to be there, he’s always willing to to show up and be a leader and to take charge,” Benson said. “I think my favorite thing about him was his personality and his leadership skills.” 

Devega has struggled with schoolwork just like any other student. He believes that his biggest issue was procrastination. But people who can name their flaws and fix them are the ones who find success, and that’s exactly what Devega did.  

“I’ve had struggle all throughout high school with procrastination, so just finding the time to just actually sit down and do all my work has probably been the biggest obstacle for me,” Devega said.   

Devega’s mind isn’t only motivated by the benefits of his accomplishments. There is something that pushes him towards his goals.  

“My main source of motivation for my academics is definitely just being able to ensure that I’m keeping my family proud and as well as preforming so I can be proud of myself,” Devega said.