Sheri Gates marveled how fast time passes.

It wasn’t too long ago that half of this eighth-grade class Golden West School was in kindergarten. On Friday, 68 of these classmates bid farewell to their familiar surroundings.

“Now, you’re on to high school,” said the principal at the promotion exercises held in the school’s Multi-Purpose Building.

Gates challenged members from the Class of 2014 to stride for bigger and better.

Her staff was joined by friends and family to mark this special occasion.

Students expressed their gratitude to those who made this day possible.

“We’re going to miss our teachers – they worked so hard for us to be on this stage,” said student guest speaker Concepcion Enriguez, who also led the classmates in the Pledge of Allegiance.

As the top academic student, Lesley Carrillo Cazares had the honors of leading the group.

Sandra Camacho and Stephanie Ramirez were on hand to provide the introductions while Gates welcomed those in attendance, including Manteca Unified Deputy Superintendent Clark Burke.

Featured guest speakers consisted of Carlee Mahurin (‘Choices”), Tatiana Perez (“Reflections”), and Student Body President Krystal Meza (“Growing Up”).

Gates presented the classmates for the distribution of their promotion papers while Burke had the honors of providing the acceptance on behalf of the group.