The Shasta School multi-purpose building will honor its two previous principals – William “Bill” Pinto and Richard “Rick” Mello.

But there’s also a chance that many may refer to the nearly year-old facility as “The Hornets’ Nest.”

The actual name that came strongly suggested by the six-member naming committee and approved Monday by the Manteca Unified school board is “The Pinto-Mello Gymnasium: Referred to as The Hornets’ Nest.”

Trustees voted 6-1, with Manuel Medeiros providing the dissenting vote.

He strongly believed the memories of Pinto and Mello would be lost in reference of the latter.

The group was spearheaded by current Shasta principal Audrey Greene; community members Rosemarie Craighead and Helen Hankal-Jackson; City of Manteca administrative analyst Cindy Rundell; Shasta teacher Cindy Wofford; and student Stephen Ruble.

According to Wofford, the committee conducted a poll among the school staff, seventh- and eighth- grade students, and community club members.
Rundell, meanwhile, did likewise with city employees.

 “The staff as well as the community would like to see the gymnasium named after Bill Pinto, who opened the school in 1966 as principal and was here until 1986,” said the committee, “and for Richard Mello, who became the second principal in 1986 until his death last year.”

The top choice for students was “The Hornets’ Nest.”

Superintendent Jason Messer applauded the committee for its efforts. “They did an outstanding job,” he said.

Added Trustee Evelyn Moore: “I really like the Hornets’ Nest.”