Last week, students at Manchester Township High School participated in the annual Challenge Day event. A voluntary event, 125 students from grades 9 through 12 gather for a day that focuses on peer support, connection, love, and belonging to come together to develop a school community that reflects the values that students find important. As a result of such ongoing efforts by the Manchester Community, Manchester Township was awarded the past Friday as the 2023 Town of Excellence Award recipient by Ocean County DART. DART shared that Manchester Township was chosen in large part due to programs such as Challenge Day that are prioritized by our school community.
On Challenge Day, students are joined by Manchester Township High School staff, community leaders, and volunteers who focus on a day of anti-bullying initiatives. Students work through exercises and discussions aimed at breaking down stereotypes, fostering open communication, and building a sense of community. Challenge Day focuses on building student’s self-esteem, empowering their confidence, developing and cultivating new and existing peer relationships, and combating bullying in every and all forms. The Challenge Day program is designed to promote empathy, understanding, and connection among students, staff, and community members. The goal is to create a supportive environment that encourages individuals to be more compassionate and accepting of one another.
Challengeday.org describes the program as a day organized to help young people learn to connect through powerful, life-changing programs in their schools and communities. The day-long, interactive Challenge Day program provides teens and adults with tools to tear down the walls of separation and inspires participants to live, study, and work in an encouraging environment of acceptance, love, and respect.
Using highly interactive and energetic activities, Challenge Day Leaders guide teens on a carefully designed exploration of the ways people separate from each other, and model tools for creating connection and building community.
Challenge Day programs increase self-esteem, help shift dangerous peer pressure to positive peer support, and reduce the acceptability of teasing, oppression, and all forms of violence. Programs inspire youth and communities to Be the Change they wish to see in the world, and challenge others to do the same.
Thank you to the extremely generous donations and support from local businesses such Farro's Tees in Toms River, the Hovnanians, and Jersey Mikes who have supported MTHS for countless years. Both Hovnanians and Jersey Mikes will be supporting MTHS for the Spring Challenge Day as well!