Manchester High School (Virginia)

Manchester High School is a (Blue Ribbon School) high school located in the Midlothian community of unincorporated Chesterfield County, Virginia, United States.

The school is a part of Chesterfield County Public Schools.

History

In 1914, three schools consolidated to form Elkhardt School (now Elkhardt Middle School) 6300 Hull Street Road, which had a faculty of four, including the principal. In 1916, the first public transportation to the school was provided by horse-drawn wagon. The name was changed to Manchester District High School in 1924, with the first graduating class, in 1925, consisting of eight students. Rapid population growth, following World War II, required that new facilities be built, and in the fall of 1964 the school was moved to 7401 Hull Street Road (now Manchester Middle School). Westward urban sprawl, from the nearby city of Richmond, Virginia, required yet another move in 1992 to the current location at 12601 Bailey Bridge Road.^[1]

From its humble beginnings, Manchester has grown into a modern institution that currently serves almost 2000 students. In addition to its outstanding academic programs, the school also offers over fifty extracurricular activities including clubs, performing arts groups, publications, and athletic teams.

The high schools colors are Orange & Navy Blue. The high school's mascot is the Lancer. The school holds rivalries with the nearby Meadowbrook High School Monarchs, longtime rival L.C. Bird as well as the newer Cosby High School.

Campus

Manchester shares many of its facilities with the adjacent Bailey Bridge Middle School. It is home to Lloyd Swelnis Stadium, named after the long-time Manchester athletic director. In 2003 closed-circuit cameras were installed in the building and parking lots to provide better security for students and staff. An addition to the main building was completed in 2004 to house the Mass Communications and Spanish-Immersion Specialty Centers.

Students

Manchester High School has a diverse student body, consisting of approximately 1900 students, and is reflective of the multiple ethnicities present in Chesterfield County. The opening of Cosby High School in 2006, and the new location and recreation of Clover Hill High School has alleviated the over-crowding at Manchester High, allowing for the reduction in number of trailers previously used as classrooms.

Faculty

The current staff consists of 150 teachers, led by principal Pete Koste. Assistant principals are Dr. Louis Millhouse, Mr. Don Gallier, and Mrs. Christy Ellis. They lead along with the Dean of Students, Ms. Pamela Lundy.

Activities

Sports teams include baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, soccer, softball, field hockey, track and field, cross-country, tennis, wrestling, and golf. Notable clubs include a JROTC program, Foreign Language clubs, school news paper, Model UN, show choir, marching band, Red Cross and cheering. There is also a Mass communication and Spanish Immersion specialty center.

Notable alumni

• Kavell Conner – professional football player (San Diego Chargers) (class of 2005)^[2]
• Pearce Paul Creasman - professor of archaeology, Egyptology and dendrochronology (class of 2000); world junior champion, triathlon (2001-2002) ^[3]
• Denny Hamlin – NASCAR driver (class of 1999)^[4]
• Domonic Jones – expatriate professional basketball player (class of 2000)^[5]
• Sean Marshall – professional baseball player (Cincinnati Reds) (class of 2001)^[6]

References