They’ve been friends since middle school at Mossdale Elementary School.
During their four years at Lathrop High, Parminder Singh, Sahib Singh and Felician Crisostomo have pushed each other academically to be their very best in the classroom.
“We’ve always had a friendly competition among us,” said Parminder Singh, who shares the honor of valedictorian for the Class of 2016.
He and Sahib Singh – no relations – both have identical 4.39 grade point averages.
Crisostomo, for now, has a 4.37 GPA. He’ll be salutatorian pending an appeal of a grade.
No surprise that Crisostomo’s biggest supporters to be that third valedictorian are his buddies, Parminder and Sahib.
The three along with Michael Osorno were recently voted Best Guy Friends for the Class of 2016.
The three, in addition, will be roommates at UCLA in the fall.
Parminder Singh is looking to study Engineering and hopes to work in the auto industry.
Sahib Singh is interested in Aerospace Engineering. He’s mentioned pursuing Business, with an aim of getting an MBA somewhere down the road
Crisostomo is leaning towards majoring in Business or Economics.
“We’re close with the same circle of friends. But we also have our own interests,” said Sahib, who played on tennis team at Lathrop.
Parminder was on the basketball team during the past four years while Crisostomo ran track.
The son of Paramjit Kaur, Sahib Singh was involved in the Interact Club, served as president of Academic Decathlon and chaired the Lathrop Youth Advisory Commission.
Felician Crisostomo is the son of Feliciano and Chona Crisostomo.  He was in marching band as a drum major and alto saxophone first chair, president of the Interact Club, senior class treasurer, and president of the Lathrop District Youth Chamber of Commerce.
Parminder Singh is the son of Darshan Singh and Rajwinder Kaler, He was selected to the Academic Decathlon Honor Team No. 1, served as vice chair of the Lathrop Youth Advisory Commission, and vice president of the Interact Club.
Next up for Parminder Singh, Sahib Singh and Crisostomo is next week’s graduation. They’ll lead  graduation candidates into Bennie Gatto Field at Paul Wiggins Stadium on Friday, May 27, to the tune of Pomp and Circumstance.
They’re also looking forward to giving their graduation speeches to those in attendance at this milestone event.
To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.