Olympian Visits Rice 2026

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- Olympian Jessie Diggins to Visit Rice!
  
  We’re pleased to announce that Jessie Diggins, Olympic gold medalist and author of this year’s summer read, Brave Enough, will be visiting Rice! As is our tradition, we’ll take a break from our normal schedule for a day devoted to our theme for the school year: courage.
  
  Here's a summary of the schedule:
  8am - report to first period class for attendance
  8:15 - 9:15: Keynote address by Jessie - students should bring their books and writing utensil to complete a goal-setting activity (book club style activity) with Jessie in their books.
  9:25 - 11:40: Students attend 4 30-minute stations of their choosing - see options below
  11:45 - 12:45 - lunch from Leonardo's Pizza & magician (9th/10th have lunch first then switch with upperclassmen)
  12:45 - Class Olympic Competitions - Kickball, Capture the Flag, Relay Race!
  For students who do not want to participate in the Olympics, you can choose to go to a chill space.
  2:05 - Olympic Award Ceremony
  2:15 - Dismissal, lawn games & surprise!
  View Full Schedule
  
  Students, may dress down and wear Red, White, and Blue. If they do not wish to dress down, they can wear their class tee shirt or their uniform.
Station Options Include:
- The Brinkema brothers will offer a behind the scenes on how a documentary is created.
- Sarah Dalton Graddock, UVM Girls’ Lacrosse Coach will talk about maintaining balance as a student-athlete.
- UVM Sports Psychologist Dr. Kelly Thorne is here to talk about specific mental skills for performance.
- As climate change continues to impact snowfall around the world, ski resorts have to adapt and find new technology. Paul Brown will unpack how climate change is impacting Vermont.
- Station Option Details:
  
  Students can choose to visit 4 stations total (30 minutes each)
  
  Library: Jessie book signing and photo opportunity w/ Mrs. Trono and Mrs. Hebert This is only for station 1. Jessie leaves Rice at 10:00. After 10:00 Threshold the documentary will play in the library for a viewing station. Disclaimer: Threshold contains coverage of Jessie receiving care for her eating disorder.
  
  Room 109: Threshold: The Courage to Tell Real Stories: With a virtual visit from the Brinkema brothers, creators of Threshold, students will go behind the scenes of Threshold to see how a feature documentary is created. From earning trust with a vulnerable subject, to filming authentic moments, shaping hundreds of hours of footage into a story, and making creative decisions that inspire empathy and meaningful conversation. Along the way, participants will connect filmmaking with the theme of courage: Jessie's courage in sharing her story and the courage it takes to tell honest stories that can make a difference in the world. Students - please bring your laptop if you wish to attend this.
  *Disclaimer: Threshold contains coverage of Jessie receiving care for her eating disorder.
  
  Room 139: Maintaining Balance as a Student Athlete with guest speaker Sarah Dalton Graddock, UVM Girls’ Lacrosse Coach
  
  Room 136: UVM Sports Psychologist Dr. Kelly Thorne is here to talk about specific mental skills for performance: breathing exercises, self-talk, mistake rituals, maintaining confidence, etc. We will practice some of these together and students will leave with something tangible they can continue to use/work on.
  
  Outside Science Wing: Get your glitter on in our glitter-making station. Jessie has become known for rubbing glitter on her cheeks before competitions, reminding herself to have fun with the sport. Create your own glitter to decorate your face and show Jessie some love!
  
  Room 108 Science Wing: As climate change continues to impact snowfall and ski conditions around the world, ski resorts have to adapt and find new technology. Paul Brown, a long-time educator, ice climber, and environmental scientist, will unpack how climate change is impacting Vermont. There will be a time for Q & A.
  
  Room 141: Witness Olympic greatness in our Olympic Watch Party! Watch video compilations of the greatest winter athletes in the world. Let their skills, determination, and bravery inspire you.
  
  Open gym: Move your body and play some games in our open gym session! Aside from cross-country skiing, Jessie participates in many other athletic activities during her training to stay active.
  
  Karaoke in the Chorus Room: Show some courage and pick up the mic with Mr. Luce and Mr. Ginter.
  
  Cafe: Make a friendship bracelet! In her book, Jessie shares about the power of friendships and meaningful connections in her experience as well as her love for Taylor Swift. So, like the Swifties, make a bracelet and trade it with a friend!
  
  Cafe: We are Rice! In her book Jessie repeats several times that what kept her “going” was her family. At Rice we are a big, brave, and courageous family. We care for each other, we support each other in our daily tasks by living in action the four pillars of Rice. Join in celebrating our community by making a mural representing our support for each other and our constant courage to face new challenges.
Olympic Class Competitions
- Kickball
  15-minute games, even’ish boys & girls on each team
  Location: Turf Field
  12:50pm: Freshman vs. Sophomores
  1:10pm: Juniors vs. Seniors
  1:30pm: Championship Game
  Points Awarded: Champions = 15 points, 2nd Place = 9 points
  
  Capture the Flag
  15-minute games, Limit 25 students per team
  Location: Soccer Field
  12:50pm: Juniors vs. Seniors
  1:10pm: Freshman vs. Sophomores
  1:30pm: Championship Match
  Points Awarded: Champions = 15 points, 2nd Place = 9 points
  
  Obstacle Course & Relay Race
  15-minute games, Limit 20- 25 students per team
  Location: Baseball Outfield
  12:50pm: Heat #1 (Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors)
  1:10pm: Heat #2 (Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors)
  1:30pm: Heat #3 (Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors, & Seniors)
  Points Awarded per Heat: 1st - 7 points, 2nd - 5 points, 3rd - 3 points, 4th - 1 point
  
  2:05 - Everyone heads to the gym for the Olympic Award ceremony & medal presentation
  
  2:15 - Dismissal, lawn games & fun surprise!