Sound Off: Pack the Plaza
Editor’s Note: On Monday, Oct. 14, the school held its inaugural Pack the Plaza event in support of the girls volleyball team. Meant to test the full force of The Herd, the school’s student section, Pack the Plaza invited hundreds of students into Pennebaker Plaza for fun and games. After the plaza party, students headed into the gym to support the varsity team in its match with regional power Ripon Christian.
Johnie Vaughn, Student Reporter
It was a sunny Monday evening. People rushing out gates trying to get home, people huddled in groups talking to one another. People. People just everywhere. I was in my car waiting in traffic to go home to make food and do homework. My windows were rolled down, the smell of my air freshener in the air, and Nelly’s “Hot in Herre” playing loudly on my speakers. I roll up to the stoplight and I look out the windows and take a deep breath and take a moment to appreciate the weather being cool, the wind blowing in my face, and thinking about all the things I could do in the nice weather.
Mateo Esparza, Student Reporter
One high about the Pack the Plaza was the number of people who attended. It could have flopped, but it didn't. There were lots of students, teachers, and athletes. There were lots of people in the Herd and stands. The low was the long lines at the vendor. I wasn't able to get my taco because I went to watch the varsity game. I had an agua fresca that was orange and mango flavored. Overall, it was a great event but unfortunately, we lost.
Addison Jackson, Student Reporter
Pack the Plaza was a fun event to liven up an average Monday night. Before the start of the varsity match, students were outside dancing, eating tacos and playing cornhole. During the game, you could feel the nervousness as the scoreboard read 23-24. Ripon Christian was one point away from winning the game, while Manteca threatened to extend the match. Maybe it wouldn't have been as close if all the kids who took the time out of their night sat in the Herd and if the designated Herd Sheps took initiative to help chant for the volleyball girls.
Rebecca Navarro, Student Reporter
Manteca High’s first Pack the Plaza was a massive success. Everyone came together to enjoy food, games, music and more in support for our girls’ volleyball team. While it was a great evening for most, I found myself down on my luck. Following a not-so-great day, I had been looking forward to it. After receiving my free taco with a purchase voucher, I joined the rest of the students in lining up to place our orders. Forty-five minutes later, I was finally at the front of the line and placed my order for two carne asada tacos with everything on it. I give my number and hope to receive the all-done text from the vendors. However, it never came. I gave up and headed inside for the game. After an hour, I realized they must have forgotten and I went outside to see if my tacos were done or worse, taken. That’s when my friends informed me the system had gone down, and I had to once again order my tacos and wait patiently. I did so and this time received them in five minutes. Just as I began to make my way to a table to finally enjoy my freebie, Rubyanne (Noonkester) called me, distracting me as I placed my plate in one hand and answer the phone with my other. As I swung my leg over and began to place my plate on the green table, my right hand stooped too low and bumped the side, causing the plate to flip in my hand and launch the tacos to the ground. I screamed into my phone and was left speechless. It wasn’t just any taco but MY tacos. I felt tears streaming from my face, causing my mascara to run. This was NOT what I needed. After a stressful day, this pushed me over the edge. Upset, I had nothing better to do but stroll back to the gym. That’s when I saw Mr. Burns and decided to share my unfortunate story. He understood my heartache, promising to get me my tacos as I helped pack up tables. It was a kind gesture that made my night — and even week — so it is safe to say that Pack the Plaza turned out to be a good night for everyone and myself thanks to the brilliance and care of Mr. Burns, the goat.