Spirit, smiles and a push for readiness as Modesto schools reopen
Students in the Modesto City Schools district walked into the new academic year Tuesday to a show of school spirit intended to ease first-day nerves and underscore campus goals for college and career readiness. At Grace M. Davis High School, dozens of student leaders and more than 50 cheerleaders lined the entrance and funneled arriving pupils through an inflatable Spartan tunnel.
Jonathon Yong, a senior and the Associated Student Body activities director at Davis, said his aim for this school year is simple: take advantage of everything senior year has to offer. Yong and other student leaders helped welcome classmates on the first morning.
“What is a school without spirit?” Yong said. “I would come to a school that has so much spirit rather than go to one that’s just dead because there’s nothing going on.”
Freshmen cheerleaders experiencing their first high school welcome said the event made the start of school feel less intimidating. Lily Martinez, Vanessa Hidalgo and Faith Regon, who have backgrounds in dance and club cheerleading, joined the varsity leaders for the morning greeting.
“I was kind of scared to come, but now I’m here, like, it’s exciting,” Regon said. She added she plans to cheer all four years.
Principal Michael Shroyer said the welcoming activities are intended not only to build enthusiasm but also to set a positive tone for learning and engagement throughout the year.
“There’s always a lot of positive energy,” Shroyer said. “Having the students greeted by our student leadership and our cheerleaders just kind of helps set that tone, hopefully eases the nerves of students on their first day.”
Local outcomes and priorities
Shroyer noted progress at Davis during his eight years as principal, pointing to outcomes administrators hope to maintain and improve. Last year, the school posted a graduation rate of more than 98%, and nearly 47% of students were reported as A-G ready — meeting the series of college-preparatory course requirements necessary for University of California and California State University eligibility.
Those figures were highlighted by school leaders as they emphasized the balance between extracurricular life and academic preparation that the district aims to foster.
- Event: Welcome activities at Grace M. Davis High School included more than 50 cheerleaders and an inflatable Spartan tunnel.
- Student leadership: Jonathon Yong served as activities director and took part in greeting students.
- Outcomes: Davis reported a graduation rate above 98% and A-G readiness near 47% last year.
Administrators say visible student leadership and organized first-day events can help reduce anxiety for incoming freshmen and returning students alike. Those actions also create opportunities for student involvement in school life, from leadership roles to extracurricular teams like cheer.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Graduation rate (last year) | More than 98% |
| A-G readiness | About 47% |
For many students, the day’s energy offered a reminder that school is both an academic and social experience. Freshmen cheerleader Lily Martinez described the morning as “really great” and “pretty fun,” comments that capture the upbeat tone school leaders hoped to achieve.
As the semester begins, school officials will likely continue to promote events and programs that encourage student engagement, with an eye toward maintaining high graduation rates and increasing A-G completion. The districtwide reopening on Tuesday marked a fresh start for students, staff and families as Modesto schools pursue academic goals alongside efforts to build community on campus.
