Legacy of Achievement

Manual High School, which opened in 1894 and was one of the first schools to educate women and African Americans, has a rich and impressive history. Today, we are building on this powerful legacy of achievement and are proud of our many graduates who have distinguished themselves in a wide array of fields. Manual alumni include Wellington Webb, the first African American mayor of Denver; Norman Rice, the first African American mayor of Seattle; Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales, an activist, boxer, and poet; Michael Hancock, current Denver mayor; Ted Conover, an author and journalist; and Scott Horsley, a National Public Radio correspondent.

For more information regarding the history of Manual High School or to donate, please visit Friends of Manual .

Manual Training 1919, DPL Western History
Black and white photo of the Manual bowling team