Manchester High School Holds Its 1st LGBTQIA+ Pride Day

MANCHESTER, NJ — Manchester Township High School celebrated Pride Day on June 3 at the high school.

The event was organized by David Rivera, the student assistance counselor, and art teacher Teena O’Connell, with the help of the school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance.

During lunch periods, several local organizations had tables outside the cafeteria providing outreach to students, including Exit 82 Theatre Company, the St. Francis Community Center, and alumnus Christian Nies.

Many students and staff members wore Manchester Township High School Pride T-shirts designed by art teacher Ashley Malebranche and sold as a fundraiser for the Gender Sexuality Alliance.

There was also a door decorating contest, with classroom doors throughout the school decorated in Pride themes. Room 117, Ms. Adams, was voted as the winner. In addition, $150 was raised for the Trevor Project through a jeans day for staff.

"On behalf of Dave and myself, I just wanted to give a huge thank you to everyone for showing their support for our first Pride Day!" O’Connell said. "The kids were so excited and came up to us all day to express what it meant to them to see the staff and students in their shirts, the decorations, and the camaraderie on this joyous day."

"A huge thank you again to Ashley Malebranche for all of the time she spent, from designing the logo to the huge production of shirts and other schwag! And to all of you that showed your support through buying shirts, the door contest, donations, and just being a positive force for our LGBTQIA+ kids and staff," O'Connell said.