What’s in a name?

When it comes to naming a brand-new facility, the Manteca Unified School District has a policy in place, calling for a five-member committee to handle such matters.

The naming of the two recently completed facilities at Shasta School and Neil Hafley could soon be in the hands of members from both communities.

At a recent school board meeting, Superintendent Jason Messer indicated that some interest has already been sparked in the naming of the joint-use projects.

“Teachers and community members have expressed interest,” he said.

Included are Rosemarie Craighead and Helen Hankal-Jackson.

Hankal-Jackson and her husband, Keith, greatly supported the 12,700-square-foot multipurpose facility at Shasta School. They even took it one step further by spearheading the revitalization efforts at the nearby Shasta Park playground.

Craighead, who, along with Debbie Wilson, has been responsible for the annual Farm Day at Shasta.

Craighead and Hankal-Jackson could be placed on the naming committee along with two representatives from Hafley and one student.
“We really don’t have to do it right away,” Trustee Nancy Teicheira said.

She recalled the same process used in naming of the Donald T. Egusa Gymnasium at August Knodt School took time and involved the City of Stockton. Egusa, who was a standout athlete, grew up in French Camp and attended Manteca High when his life was tragically cut short from a car crash.

The area of Weston Ranch in Stockton was once considered part of French Camp.

Construction of the Shasta and Neil Hafley facilities began in late 2007. Work at both places was completed this past spring.

Trustees gave Messer the go-ahead to look into appointing members to the naming committee, with their final OK coming at a future board meeting.