Lathrop High Principal Greg Leland credited the graduating Class of 2022 for rebuilding the school's culture.

At Friday's 12th annual commencement exercises at Bennie Gatto Field at Paul Wiggins Stadium, he talked about the events of the COVID-19 pandemic years.

Gone during that time were sports, activities, and students on campus.

"We've learned to be flexible," he said.

Leland pointed out the influence of Spartan Spirit in the aftermath.

Lathrop High bounced back this past year to win its first-ever Sac-Joaquin Section banner in boys volleyball  and raised scores in the classroom to earn a No. 1 ranking among Manteca Unified schools, according to the state-testing formula.

"We had our first indoor rally in two years," said Leland of the enthusiastic school spirit exhibited by LHS students.

The graduating class embodied Spartan Nation.

About 280 seniors were listed on the event program, which kicked off with LHS Band under the direction of Desiree Bugarin performing the processional "Pomp & Circumstance."

The two ASB Presidents' Phalina Nim and Godwina Ogbeide welcome those in the jam packed stadium. Added Nim: "Since our freshmen year, graduation was in the back of our minds -- Now, it's here."

Others delivering speeches on this special occasion were class presidents' Lorelai Kremerskotter and Tory Sumbler, and valedictorian Shabnam Masroor and salutatorian Kimberly Auman.

In addition, seniors Hailey Grant and Lillyanna Vaughan performed the senior song, "I'll Always Remember You," by Hannah Montana