Top of Their Class: Rice announces the Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Salutatorian

Congratulations to our Valedictorian Eve Neider for receiving the highest grade point average for Rice’s class of 2024! 

Eve is an exemplary student who has taken our most challenging course load here at Rice. Eve consistently demonstrates an unquenchable curiosity and love for learning. In addition to her natural intellect, she has shown an incredible work ethic and willingness to grapple with high level concepts. This academic excellence has earned Eve over a dozen of Rice's highest academic awards including the Harvard Book Award which honors students with exemplary character, commitment to service, and high academic achievement. Eve earned the incredible distinction of being a National Merit Scholar Finalist; candidates are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, leadership, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Eve was part of the Vermont All State Team for the American Regions Math League Competition at Penn State in 2023.

In addition to her academic achievements, Eve is an admirable person. She is a humble, kind, considerate, and a genuine young woman who does not seek the spotlight. She takes care to make sure that she is understood by those around her and takes the time to fully understand in return. She has been in our band three years at Rice and has participated in several music festivals. She was accepted to the All-State Music Festival and has been first chair on the Alto saxophone for the past two years. Eve plans to continue her education at the University of Vermont. We extend heartfelt congratulations to her on all of her accomplishments and we are confident she’ll continue to do great things.

Quotes from some of her teachers…
“Eve is a standout when it comes to academic abilities; her cognitive processing speed and ability to make deeper connections is beyond impressive. In the classroom, she has a strong and unique voice in both her verbal and written expression. She is not afraid to take chances and has an unquenchable curiosity.”  - Ms. Kacey Titus

“She approaches the craft of writing with dedication and style. One thing that stands out about her thinking and writing is her ability to navigate both the concrete and the abstract. She can “construct” an essay very effectively. And she understands and can articulate the ideas that undergird those concrete details.” - Mr. TJ Matarazzo

"Eve is a real leader in Band! Not only is she a fine player on her saxophone, but she makes those around her better. She is the kind of person who is consistently helping the younger musicians out. Eve has taken risks this year in class, and performed a very difficult solo at the concert, auditioning for several music festivals. She has been accepted to the All-State Music Festival and is first chair on the alto saxophone. Great Job Eve!" - Mr. Talan Bryant

Congratulations to Hannah Cunningham for receiving the next highest grade point average for the class of 2024! Hannah embodies the Rice mission: to love learning, to serve others, and to seek God. At Rice, she has challenged herself with a demanding course load and shown impressive academic achievement and a true passion for learning. She demonstrates engagement, initiative, and determination.

Additionally, Hannah was captain of the Field Hockey Team, started our school newspaper, and was voted by her peers to be Senior Class President. She is an active contributor to our school community. She also has a passion for serving others and for civic responsibility. She was selected to represent Vermont at Girls’ Nation in Washington DC and spent a week learning about the inner workings of our federal government. Also, she volunteers as a representative to the Burlington City Board of Health and VTDigger Underground Workshop Student Editor.

In recognition of her academic achievements, outstanding leadership, and service to her community, Hannah was selected as a Vermont Presidential Scholar and was selected to receive the US Presidential Scholar Award! She is well rounded with a vibrant personality and we've been happy for her lasting influence here at Rice. Hannah will continue her education at Vanderbilt University. We can’t wait to see all she will accomplish! 

Quotes from some of her teachers…
"She has been able to manage a highly rigorous schedule while playing a varsity sport, being on student council, and participating in various musical programs. She has even served on a community board looking at educational institutions in the state. With all this going on, she has always been present in class and fully engaged in the content. It has been impressive and an honor to work with someone like Hannah." - Mr. Mike Mazzella

"It's been a joy to watch Hannah shine as a leader and use her writing skills in service to our school paper, which she helped build from scratch. Last summer, she attended the Al Neuharth Journalism Conference. Neuharth once said, 'A free spirit can also be a risk-taker, a visionary, an innovative leader, or a courageous achiever who accomplishes great things.'  I can’t think of a student I’ve taught in the past 20 years who presents these values in a stronger way." - Mr. TJ Matarazzo