Manteca High Salutatorian Isaiah Devega has had a total of 56 As, 27 of which being in AP or Honors classes.

As you go through high school, one of the highest honors you can receive is the honor of salutatorian.

This achievement recognizes focus, academic endurance and determination, and skill. Manteca High’s salutatorian for the Class of 2026 is Isaiah Devega, a do-it-all senior who checked all of the boxes.

Devega, who will mark his feat with a speech at tonight’s graduation ceremony, has completed 18 accelerated classes at Manteca High. Not only does a salutatorian have to take part in rigorous classes, but they must also excel in them as well.

In total, Devega’s transcript has 56 “As,” 27 of which were received in Advanced Placement or Honors classes.

“My main source of motivation for my academics is definitely just being able to ensure that I’m keeping my family proud and as well as preforming so I can be proud of myself,” he said.

Devega is also deeply rooted in Manteca Highs’ campus activities with strong participation in sports and clubs.

He plays an officer role in majority of the clubs he is a member of – Speech and Debate, College Prep, and Asian Pacific Islanders, to name a few – and is the boys tennis team's captain. During the Senior Walkout Rally, Devega was honored with the Scholar Athlete of the Year award, along with valedictorian Addison Jackson.

With his talented mind and man-about-campus persona, it is not a surprise Devega has caught the attention of teachers on campus.

“My favorite thing about Isaiah is that he is always willing to be there, he’s always willing to show up and be a leader and to take charge,” English teacher Jennifer Benson said. “I think my favorite thing about him was his personality and his leadership skills.”

Though the honor puts him at the top of this class, Devega is like many of the 400 graduates. He has struggled with schoolwork, noting that procrastination is his biggest enemy. But oftentimes, people who can name their flaws and fix them are the ones who find success, and that’s exactly what Devega did.

“I’ve had struggle all throughout high school with procrastination, so just finding the time to just actually sit down and do all my work has probably been the biggest obstacle for me,” he said.

Manteca High Salutatorian Isaiah Devega has had a total of 56 As, 27 of which being in AP or Honors classes.