Troy Fast took in the moment last week.

For the first time two years, the Weston Ranch High principal was thrilled to once again experience a crowded stadium.

Fast was equally pleased to see the graduates together – in person, to receive their diplomas – seated at midfield for the 17th annual commencement ceremony on May 26.

“We are very proud of the Class of 2022,” he said, with hopes of seeing many more of these traditional exercises to come.

The time of COVID-19 meant drive-thru and two-day events for those respective senior classes.

On hand for this year’s graduation was Manteca Unified Superintendent Clark Burke, Trustee Eric Duncan and Director of Certificated Personnel Dante Alvarez, to name a few.

Listed were 235 classmates for graduation, including those who achieved top academic honors as California Scholastic Federation recipients – longtime teachers Stayce Baptista provided the CSF recognitions.

Valedictorian Veronica Sotelo not only addressed her class – salutatorian Wendy Contreras Martinez also gave a graduation speech – but opened the evening celebration by performing the National Anthem.

Prior to that, ASB President Valeria Aguila led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Other graduation highlights consisted of William Gov delivering the Senior Class speech, Abraham Villarreal-Sandoval conducting the WRHS Band and Orchestra – they performed the song, “I’ll Be There” – and class President Cazady Jazele Padre, along with Fast, presenting the newly graduated members of the Class of 2022.