Manchester High School (Virginia)

Manchester High School
Address
12601 Bailey Bridge Road Midlothian, Virginia 23112
Coordinates	37°24′25.7″N 77°37′23.7″W
Information
School type	Public high school
Founded	1924
School district	Chesterfield County Public Schools
Superintendent	Marcus J. Newsome
Principal	Peter Koste
Administrators	Christian Ellis Don Gallier Louis Millhouse Pamela Lundy
Grades	9-12
Enrollment	2,155  (2006-2007)
Language	English
Campus	Suburban
Color(s)	Orange, and Navy Blue
Athletics conference	Virginia High School League AAA Central Region AAA Dominion District
Mascot	Lancers
Rivals	Thomas Dale High School Matoaca High School Cosby High School Midlothian High School and Clover Hill High School
Website	Official Site

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.

From its humble beginnings, Manchester has grown into a modern institution that currently serves over 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. However, the school building is tan brick, and red trim-ironic. The high schools mascot is the Lancer. The high schools rivals are Clover Hill Cavs & Cosby Titans.

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 new Mass Communications and Spanish-Immersion Specialty Center.

Students

Manchester High School has a diverse student body, consisting of approximately 2,200 students, and is reflective of the multi-ethnicity of Chesterfield County. The opening of Cosby High School in 2006 has alleviated the recent over-crowding at Manchester High, allowing for the removal of trailers previously used as classrooms.

Faculty

The current staff consists of 175 teachers, led by principal Pete Koste. Assistant principals are Mr. Don Gallier, and Dr. Louis Millhouse. Deans of Students are Ms. Pamela Lundy and Mrs. Christy Ellis.

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, a Model UN, show choir, marching band, and cheering. There is also a Mass communication specialty center.

Notable alumni

• Kavell Conner – professional football player (Indianapolis Colts)
• D'Angelo – R&B singer
• Denny Hamlin – NASCAR driver
• Domonic Jones – expatriate professional basketball player
• Sean Marshall – professional baseball player (Chicago Cubs)
• Corey Reynolds – actor (The Closer)