During the recent Lobo Gold Rally, Julia Erdman and Alfred Roy Manongsong were announced as this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, at Sierra High.

They’ve had plenty of time since then to prepare for Friday’s 7 p.m. graduation ceremony at Daniel Teicheira Stadium.

“We’ve already gone through our speeches,” said Erdman on Tuesday.

She’s the daughter of Mike and Shelley Erdman.

Julia Erdman earned school’s top academic honor due to her 4.35 GPA.

She won’t be too far removed from home following graduation. Erdman, who plans to study Biological Sciences, will be attending the University of the Pacific in the coming months.

The son of Roy and Marizel Manongsong, Alfred Manongsong was named salutatorian thanks to his 4.23 GPA.

He’s bound for UC Merced, where is looking to major in Computer Science.

Manongsong was on the swim team during his first two years at Sierra – he swam the freestyle – and was involved in the Engineering Club (president), Animation Club (president), Art Club, and Gaming Club.

He spent his junior year at the Manteca Unified Online Academy due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manongsong was pleased to return to Sierra High for his senior year.

Erdman played varsity golf for the Timberwolves – she served as captain this past season – during her years at SHS.

Her top score in golf for nine holes was 46.

She also took part in National Honor Society (president), California Scholastic Federation, College Prep and Interact Club.

Erdman, in addition, enjoyed band under the direction of music teacher Rick Hammarstrom, playing the clarinet.

Sierra High’s Class of 2022 valedictorian finds time to play the piano and the bass guitar, as well.