Taimane Lowery could be the epitome of what it’s like to be a Spartan.

She came to Lathrop High as a basketball player only to discover that, as part of her training for hoops, had a knack for running.

Lowery, who is a junior, took up cross country two years ago and quickly became one of the top runners in the Western Athletic Conference North Division.

No surprise, she also runs track.

In addition, Lowery is the president of Leadership and involved in various clubs on campus including BSU.

She was on hand Thursday to help out in welcoming LHS’ Class of 2025.

According to Link Crew advisor Irene Munguia, most of the 340 newcomers to the school attended freshmen orientation.

“You’re all Spartans now,” she proclaimed to the ninth graders, who came from Manteca Unified feeder sites such as Joseph Widmer, Mossdale and Lathrop elementary schools.

Munguia urged students to seize the opportunities afforded to them in high school. “Make the most of your four years here,” she said.

The Link Crew activities are designed to engage freshmen towards getting out of their current comfort level.

Engage, Munguia said, is part of LHS’ Respect the SHIELD – acronym for Spartans Honor Integrity Engagement Leadership – program started up a few years ago by Principal Greg Leland.

She’s hoping that the newest Spartans will get involved in sports, clubs, events and other activities.

“You only have four years here. It may seem like an eternity. But any (Link Crew / Leadership) senior will tell you – it will go by in a blink of an eye,” Munguia said.