The past year at Lathrop High represented plenty of first-time achievements.

For seniors, they finally “broke the curse,” according to class President Aleena Aguirre.

By that, she meant her senior class not only captured the powder-puff game during homecoming week but also boasted the first-place float.

For Principal Mike Horwood, he relished Friday’s commencement exercises at Benny Gatto Field.

“This is my first graduating class of Spartans,” he said at the special event recognizing some 220 seniors.

Included was ASB President Kevin Barajas, who was the voice of LHS, providing the daily announcements for the past couple of years.

“After tonight, I’m no longer ‘K-B’ or ‘Mr. President’ but just Kevin Barajas,” he said.

As the third graduating class in school history, the classmates were greeted by windy conditions and, of course, the processional tune of “Pomp and Circumstance” as performed by the LHS band.

The school band also handled the playing of the National Anthem.

Salutatorian Lisa Lee reflected back on the early years at LHS. She’ll be attending the University of California, Davis in the fall.

“When the school first established, we didn’t know where it was (located),” Lee said. “Now, it’s a place we will always remember.”

This includes overcoming the struggles and challenges of high school.

Valedictorian Daniel Maykel, meanwhile, was aware that the next set of challenges may not be too far ahead.

He’ll be going to the University of Nevada, Reno, where he’ll study mechanical engineering.

Maykel, meanwhile, encouraged his classmates to face these challenges head on.

He also spoke of his years as a Spartan coupled with the memories.

“LHS Class of 2013 was the best group to walk this planet. Good luck and I’ll see you when I see you,” sajd Maykel.