Last year, Amarise Billings was nominated by Athletic Director Neil Brodeur to attend a regional conference that brought together some of the top student-athletes from around the state for leadership training and to discuss the sports culture in high school. There she was recognized as a leader among leaders and went through a rigorous interview process to represent Vermont at the national conference in July 2025. She attended the conference and returned with valuable skills to motivate, inspire, and empower. Reese is already making an impact, organizing a successful Alzheimer's walk and helping to plan a Mental Health Awareness Day for the whole school. In addition, Reese was selected to be a part of the Change the Game Committee, a group of Vermont female coaches aiming to empower and highlight young female athletes.

"I've learned that putting the needs of others first and creating a space for people to feel seen and heard is invaluable. Adversity is inevitable but can be the springboard for growth. Often our most difficult moments reveal the leader that lies within us all." - Reese Billings

At Rice, we give students the chance to lead - in sports, clubs, and the classroom. We pay attention to what students have to say and because we're small, we can make changes more easily. Here, student voices don’t just matter,they lead! 
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