DNCC Service Days: Plaster, Paintbrushes and Posters at Manual High

Posted by Jason on January 10, 2008 | 0 Comments

null Staff at the Democratic National Convention Committee put on our old jeans and our matching gray DNCC Service Days t-shirts today and headed over to Denver’s Manual High School to paint the teacher’s lounge and help students prepare posters for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Every month, the DNCC staff volunteers time on projects in one of three areas: youth, greening and the combined issues of homelessness and hunger. This month, the DNCC teamed up with the Colorado branch of Volunteers of America to lend a hand at Manual High School.

While in town for the Democratic National Committee’s Executive Committee meeting, DNC Chairman Governor Howard Dean joined the DNCC — even sporting a DNCC t-shirt of his own. Wasting no time, Gov. Dean was given a paint tray, a brush and climbed up a ladder to do some painting. Proving he was well qualified for the job, the Governor’s first question: "Is this paint latex or oil based?"

Manual opened in 1896 and has the distinction of being the alma mater of former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, his wife Wilma and former Denver Councilwoman and current Denver Host Committee President Elbra Wedgeworth, among others. In 2006, Manual closed its doors due to declining enrollment and low student performance, but has since reopened for 9th graders — with plans to add one grade each year until it is once again home to a full four grades.

Speaking on behalf of all my DNCC colleagues, hearing the story and history of Manual was inspiring. And having the opportunity to help make the school a better place for students and teachers was an amazing way to spend the afternoon.

Click here to see photos from today’s event. null