On August 30, 2024, the Rice community gathered in their class shirts and sneakers for the third annual celebration of the Summer Reading Day, where students participated in activities relating to the summer reading book by John Green, The Anthropocene Reviewed. 

First the whole school went to an assembly in the gym to listen to the Secretary of State, Sarah L. Copeland Hanzas, talk about how young people can make a difference in their community, even without having the ability to vote. She encouraged students, especially those old enough to vote, to approach their state leaders about issues they see in their communities or join a committee that works to bring awareness and change surrounding those issues.

“This is the time for you to exert your power over these folks who want to represent you in your state and federal government,” said Hanzas. “And you can ask those questions, and you can demand answers from them.”

Many students were inspired by Hanzas’ focus on the power of young people.

“She was really inspirational,” said junior Maggie Robinson. “[I] found it cool when she talked about young people making a change. I liked how she was encouraging our community to speak up about problems that are important to us”

Next students went through their daily class schedules and participated in different activities set up by the departments. 

The Math department reviewed Vermont things and the history department looked at different pictures throughout time like Green did with his chapter on the photograph, “Three Farmers on Their Way to a Dance”. The English department reviewed the scratch and sniff stickers that Green reviewed in his book. 

“I was so excited to introduce the kids to the Scratch N Sniffs of my childhood! Growing up, I loved to ride my bike to the Italian bakery and sticker store whilst the Psychedelic Furs rang through my giant headphones,” said teacher Darren Clas. “For our field day, I was able to find the perfect stickers from Everything Smells, a one-woman-owned small business, and everyone had so much fun sniffing banana split, orange soda and many other nostalgic aromas to decide their favorite.”

After eight periods of fun, the whole school had Leonardo’s pizza for lunch and the classes competed in tug-of-war. 

The day ended with three hours of free time outside where kids had the chance to compete in a bouncy house race, start a soccer game, or play water balloon battleship. 

“It’s wonderful seeing the whole school community come together for the Anthropocene day,” said principal Andrew Nagy. “But what’s at the heart of this is just bringing everyone together as a community.”

The day would not have happened without the help of: 

Mrs. Hebert

Mrs. Bauchan

Mrs. Martin

Mrs. Essex-Luce

Mrs. Shesthra

Mrs. Bessette

Mr. Mazzella

Mrs. Clarke

Thank you all!