(Submitted photo)Rice Memorial High School students and visitors celebrate the school's 100th anniversary and the first day of school.
Rice Memorial High School in South Burlington is celebrating its centennial.

Tracing its beginning back to Cathedral High School in Burlington in 1917, the largest of the two Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Burlington has earned a reputation as a “great school,” said Interim Principal Lisa Lorenz. “It is known for its Catholic identity, its community service and everlasting sense of family. The spirit and love of Rice is felt long after graduation and even decades later.”

Celebrating the milestone anniversary is important, Lorenz said, to commemorate the roots, mission, drive and purpose that brought the school into existence. “When we take the time to pause and deeply reflect upon the events that inspired the beginnings it is then we allow the Lord to work in us anew to continue His work in the world of today, being lead by the inspirations of the Holy Spirit,” she continued. “If we fail to pause and reflect on our past and future direction, we risk the danger of floundering about like a boat without a rudder.”

The 100th school year kicked off Aug. 29, an occasion marked with a special First Day of School Assembly and “Clap In” to which alumni and parents were invited.

Alumni from every decade since the 1940s were present to cheer on current students, hear from school leaders and blow out the candles on Rice-Cathedral’s 100th birthday cake.

The celebration continues on Homecoming Weekend, Oct. 6-8, with a full calendar of events designed to engage alumni, parents and students.

For more information on the events go to rmhsvt.org/riceturns100.

“Our Centennial year is book-ended by these events and those at the tail end of the year including an All School Reunion and Rice-Cathedral Alumni Association Golf Tournament the weekend of June 22-23, 2018,” noted Christy Warner Bahrenburg ’88 , director of advancement and communication.

There are currently 431 students enrolled at Rice, up 21 percent in six years. Students come from 53 towns and 12 countries.

The mission of Rice throughout the years has remained in essence the same: to love learning, to serve others and to seek God through Jesus Christ and His Church, Lorenz said.

Rice – named after third Burlington Bishop Joseph J. Rice – opened in 1959.