"The overall project gave the students the confidence of success knowing that they actually made a change this year and that they can do anything if they work hard. These murals will give the community something to look at and promote graffiti as positive artwork. Every time I look at the murals, it gives me great pride as an alumnus to be able to see students make a change…Being a coach has also helped me realize I am the mentor that I used to look up to."

Since participating in Public Achievement, Manuel received a Master's in Higher Education from the University of Denver Morgridge College of Education in 2011. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership at Iowa State University.