On Thursday, September 14 members of the Rocky Hill School community celebrated the installation of Head of School Diane Rich, the first woman Head of School since Rocky Hill School was founded in 1934.

The ceremony was opened by Board Vice President Monica Iacono Boss ('91), a parent of three current students and a graduate of the school. Boss was joined by Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea who delivered an official proclamation recognizing Rich and the important role the School plays in the educational landscape of Rhode Island. Gorbea applauded Rich's 30-year career in education and the innovative teaching and learning happening at the School.

Rich addressed the entire student body, quoting from the Doctor Suess classic, If I Ran the Zoo. Rich shared, "The story begins, 'If I ran the zoo said young Gerald Mcgrew, I'd make a few changes, that's just what I'd do.' I think the heart of what he's saying has to do with the opportunity to imagine, to explore, and to discover. When Gerald says, 'I'll catch 'em in caves and I'll catch 'em in brooks, I'll catch 'em in crannies, I'll catch 'em in nooks that you don't read about in geography books,' Seuss celebrates Gerald's curiosity and boldness for new adventures and traversing places no one has heard of before. This is a message for the youngest of us as well as the oldest of us who are here today. We need to embrace our curiosity, celebrating the possibility of the unknown, and feeling a sense of empowerment as we dare to explore. That's my hope and dream for the future we're going to share."

Lower, Middle and Upper School students each presented Rich with a gift to assist her in living into the School's 8 Student Competencies which focus on guiding students to become navigators, critical thinkers, citizens, and communicators, who are innovative, self-aware, ethical, and globally-minded.

Lower School presented Rich with a mindfulness glitter jar to reflect self-awareness. Middle School offered reusable straws to represent global mindedness, and the Upper School gave a map to symbolize being a navigator as Rich guides the School in bringing innovative approaches to teaching that build upon the competencies in addition to delivering content. Rich returned the favor with a gift of her own. She baked 300 cookies for the students in the shape of a heart to express her own love for the school and the students.