This month, all four Manchester high schools came together in a powerful show of unity and compassion through Challenge Day workshops. The event invited both teens and adults to take a deep dive into the ways we separate ourselves from one another and to begin the real work of fostering connection and building community.
Challenge Day is more than just a school event; it’s an emotional and transformative experience that encourages authenticity, vulnerability, and growth. Over the course of each session, students explored the impacts of judgment, isolation, and bias, and learned tools to connect across those divides. Many youth emerged from the day voicing a strong commitment to “be the change they wish to see in the world,” pledging to bring that mindset into their daily lives and encouraging their peers to do the same.
Among the participants was Manchester School of Technology and Manchester Proud intern, Kaydence Jones, who had the opportunity to document the event at Memorial High School. Reflecting on the experience, she shared:
“Last week, I had the opportunity to take some photos of the Challenge Day event that took place at Memorial High School for Manchester School of Technology students. A large group of students participated in Challenge Day, consisting of sophomores and juniors. There were also a handful of teachers and support services there for the students and joining. Challenge Day is a great program for students to increase their self-esteem and build a kinder environment for themselves and those around them. The two peers that hosted the event were very engaging with the students and had a handful of activities for the students and teachers participating to do. From a spectator’s perspective, I believe that the students learned a lot and became more connected after that day. They became more open and understanding of others.”
Kaydence’s words reflect what so many witnessed across Manchester’s high schools this week: a collective effort to strengthen the social and emotional well-being of our students and create school environments where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
As Challenge Day concludes, its lessons remain. Through courageous conversations, shared experiences, and honest reflection, Manchester’s youth are building the kind of community they want to live in, one based on empathy, respect, and connection.
