Graduation could be twice as nice for three members of Sierra High’s Class of 2021.
Their classmates may have a choice as to which ceremony to attend (Thursday, May 27, or Friday, May 28) – Manteca Unified made it a two-day event for the graduating class in an effort to provide social distancing and other safety protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic – but not so for valedictorian Melanie Nguyen, salutatorian Allison Threet, and class President Phuong Nguyen.
They’re OK with it.
“We’re just happy to have graduation again this year,” said Phuong Nguyen, recalling that last year’s class had no choice but to do a drive-thru ceremony.
Principal Steve Clark is also thrilled with the two special days planned at Daniel Teicheira Memorial Stadium. He’s anticipating 700 in attendance during both days for the Timberwolves’ graduation ceremonies.
The seniors will certainly have no problems social distancing.
“We’ve always made sure our graduates were spread out on the field so they can be spotted (by family and friends) from the stands,” Clark said.
Melanie Nguyen and Threet earned the top academic honors based on their accomplishments in the classroom and from the comforts of their home – they remembered those months of distance learning.
“I missed not having the interaction with classmates,” said Melanie Nguyen, who was named valedictorian base on her 4.35 grade point average.
She’s the daughter of (mom) Van and (dad) and Minh. Nguyen – she took part in soccer, tennis, CSF, National Honor Society, Hospital Heroes, Community Leaders of America, Key Club, Link Crew, and Leadership during her years at Sierra High – will be attending UC Irvine in the fall and will major in Economics.
Salutatorian Threet found distance learning to be challenging when it came to classes that required hands-on skills. This included her Health classes.
She plans to go into Nursing – that’s her major at Stanislaus State.
Allison Threet is the daughter of Jeff and Kristine Threet.
She garnered a 4.27 GPA at Sierra, where Threet was also involved in volleyball, NHS, Hospital Heroes, Interact Club, Engineering Club and Link Crew.
