This article features Duncan Polytechnical High School in Fresno, California. Respect, responsibility and resourcefulness embody the culture and mission of Duncan High School. Students are expected to live and breathe these words: Respect yourself and all others. Take responsibility for your actions and your school. Be resourceful and use your talents to the highest degree. And yet, regardless of the exertion required to achieve these ideals, Duncan is a school of choice. Duncan High School was created as a comprehensive occupational magnet school in 1985 as part of the desegregation plan for Fresno Unified School District and is named for Erma Duncan. Initially, the school was conceived as a "continuation" school that dropouts and nonacademic students would attend to complete their high school education and acquire a job skill. Recently, Duncan revamped its student application process and adopted an open enrollment policy for all students in the Fresno district. Over the years, through strong leadership, a like-minded staff, and successful collaboration with numerous stakeholders, Duncan has evolved into a model school that provides intense occupational training and a high-quality academic foundation for college.