A few years ago, Patrick Chun chose the Manteca Adult School to continue his education.

Part of the reason for that was its proximity. “It’s close to the house,” he said.

Chun, 21, discovered a close and caring environment reminiscent of family – siblings and cousins – who were there Friday for his graduation.

He was among the eight to receive their high school diploma at the special event held at the Manteca Unified School District office.

They spent countless hours on the computer, studying and taking tests to get to this point, according to site administrator Karen Olsen.

“Some worked and even raised a family,” she said.

Yesenia Lopez Torres did just that with Romeo, her 6-months-old son. She previously attended school in Ripon before going back to school to complete her education.

No one was more proud than her longtime boyfriend Felix Martinez, who had their boy in tote while taking photos of Yesenia displaying her diploma from MUSD.

Other graduates from the Class of 2016 were Hugo Alaniz, Desiree Allred, Kayla Cordes, Rachel Gribble, Don Parag and Angelica Sacules.

They reached this milestone at the Manteca Adult School, displaying perseverance and tenacity towards accomplish their goal, Olsen added.

Chun, who was recently hired at Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen, is looking to continue his education. His dream is to do fashion design in San Francisco.

Those at the Manteca Adult School are always hoping for the best in all of their students.

“When you achieve success, we achieve success,” Olsen said, addressing the graduating class.

To contact reporter Vince Rembulat, e-mail vrembulat@mantecabulletin.com.