When New Manchester High School’s football team, cheerleaders and coaches traveled to 
Atlanta for the MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff last Saturday, they were the first to ride in the Douglas County School System’s new, 56-passenger motorcoaches.
The student-athletes and coaches watched North Carolina Central defeat Southern at Georgia State University’s Center Parc Stadium in the season-opening football game featuring two Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Getting to attend the game was part of a special educational seminar experience by ESPN that New Manchester was chosen to participate in.
New Manchester star quarterback Delancy Alexander said the new motorcoaches made an already special day even better.
“The new buses made our trip to the college HBCU game a lot more fun,” Alexander said. “We 
were able to ride together, relax, and really enjoy the experience. It was a very comfortable ride and the whole team and I really appreciated it.”
The school system recently purchased the motorcoaches as part of an overall effort to transport students and staff safely to field trips, athletic competitions, and other educational adventures.
In addition to safety, the new buses will make out-of-town field trips more affordable for DCSS families.
For New Manchester students, riding in the buses and getting to attend Saturday’s season-opener capped a special week.
The ESPN Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kickoff Senior Seminar earlier in the week provided valuable insights, highlighting educational opportunities and raising awareness about Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The panel-style event was attended by juniors and seniors at NMHS.
Topics during the event included social media, financial literacy and college admission. Panel 
discussions featured experts from the industry, with participating schools including North Carolina Central, Southern University and Albany State.
“New Manchester High is incredibly proud to host such a meaningful experience for our students,” NMHS Principal Casey Bethel said. “I hope each of them took away some nuggets of wisdom to help them reach their goals. On the other hand, I know that all of them were inspired to see that many groups are willing to sacrifice and make the investment in them."