Pack the Plaza: Event filled with games, music and more
The first 40 students through the front doors of the new gymnasium for the “Pack the Plaza” event on Oct. 14, 2024, received a free “SuperFan” shirt. (Hanna Palacio/The Tower)
By REBECCA NAVARRO
The Tower
On Oct. 14, 2024, Manteca High School held its inaugural “Pack the Plaza” an event that brought together students, staff, family and fans to cheer on the Manteca High girls volleyball team in a non-league clash with regional heavyweight Ripon Christian.
Students and fans, young and old, not only packed the bleachers inside, but they collected in Pennebaker Plaza outside the new gymnasium to enjoy music, games, food, and freebies.
Manteca High senior Snowden Snyder leads the band in a performance during the “Pack the Plaza” event on Oct. 14, 2024, in Pennebaker Plaza at Manteca High School. (Hanna Palacio/The Tower)
Live performances from Manteca High’s own band and cheer squad, a DJ to host the event, Mexican cuisine from Karnitas Tek, and refreshing drinks from Francy Sweets made for a memorable experience and set this volleyball game aside from the rest.
The idea was crafted by Manteca High Multimedia and Journalism teacher Mr. Burns who understands, as a coach himself, the importance of peer support and student involvement, especially in sports. Gathering support from staff and students eager for this monumental event. He teamed with fellow teacher Rachelle Fast to bring the concept to life.
The goal was to show the full force of The Herd, Manteca High’s student cheer section, and its multi-million-dollar facility, as well as create a blueprint for future events.
“I think the turnout was great!” said Fast, a psychology and entrepreneurship teacher at Manteca High. “I think the goal was packing the plaza and we did in fact, pack the plaza, so win.”
While outside vendors played a large part in the event, so did groups from within the school itself. Mrs. Fast’s entrepreneurship class had the opportunity to test their business skills as they crafted glowing pompoms and sold them by the door. Enhancing school spirit with green necklaces and candy for free too. Also running giveaways, games, and freebies. Raffle tickets that could be purchased or rewarded for being a student-athlete granted a Chick-Fil-A gift card and free lemonade with a pick of your ticket. Delicious refreshing lemonades that made a great pair with the other food items available.
“Smelt and tasted amazing, worth the wait!” said student Kylie Anderson on her chicken quesadilla and free carne asada taco.
Drawing in the crowds is quite simple with the promise of freebies and food. Each student received a free taco (with a purchase) voucher. As well as the first 40 fans to show up received a free “SuperFan” shirt. Crafted by entrepreneurship students to help spread green pride. While those who did not make the first 40 were able to crowd in the largest heard of the volleyball season yet. Cheering and reaching their hands out to grasp the extra shirts being tossed into the buffalo family.
Thanks to the catering of Fancy Sweets and Karnitas Tek, not only were fans able to bond over their love of the buffalo spirit that shines so brightly through sporting events such as volleyball. But also sharing their love of food, games, and friends. Then, as the sun began to set, the crowd made their way inside to enjoy each set and play from the Manteca High and Ripon Christian volleyball teams.
“It was fun. I liked seeing the gym full of students and families coming out to support us like never before,” said senior Amil Gaskins of the volleyball team.
Despite a loss against Ripon Christian, Pack the Plaza ignited the true Herd spirit and demonstrated the strong tightknit community of Manteca High for a night of volleyball and fun.
Manteca High students packed the plaza and home bleachers for the non-league volleyball game against Ripon Christian on Oct. 14, 2024, at Manteca High School. (Hanna Palacio/The Tower)