Students and staff recently came together for the school's first-ever #BOOKLOVE #P.R.I.D.E. event, a two-week celebration held from April 13 through April 24 that focused on promoting a love of reading, building school pride, and strengthening academic habits.

Throughout the event, students were encouraged to participate in daily reading as part of the #BOOKLOVE initiative. Each student tracked their reading minutes on a log, helping to build consistent reading habits and a growing enthusiasm for books.

School spirit was also on full display through the #P.R.I.D.E. component of the event. Each Friday during the celebration, students proudly wore their orange P.R.I.D.E. shirts to show unity and school spirit. Wearing orange on Fridays is already a meaningful tradition at the school, as students and staff wear orange every Friday throughout the year to celebrate the school's P.R.I.D.E. values and strengthen their sense of community.

The excitement reached its peak during the culminating school-wide assembly, where students gathered together to celebrate their hard work and participation. The highlight of the event came when the school's principal, Mr. Squillacioti, kept his promise and had his hair cut in front of the entire student body. As he took his seat, the gymnasium erupted with excitement as students enthusiastically chanted "Mr. S! Mr. S! Mr. S!" while cheering him on. The energy in the room was unforgettable, and students were thrilled to see their principal take part in such a fun and memorable moment.

The event also included a charitable component through the fundraiser "Design a Haircut for Mr. S." Students created imaginative hairstyle designs for their principal using a provided template and submitted them with a $1 donation. All proceeds from the fundraiser were donated to Room to Read, a global organization dedicated to promoting literacy and education.

The inaugural #BOOKLOVE #P.R.I.D.E. celebration was a tremendous success, bringing together reading, school spirit, and community involvement. With the excitement generated throughout the school - especially during the unforgettable assembly - organizers hope this event will become a lasting tradition that continues to inspire a love of reading for years to come.