Rice, Harlem’s historical all boys Catholic High School is on the brink of closing down. According to the chairman of the board of directors, Stephen Fitzgerald, Rice needs to enroll 60 boys by May 16th and raise $5 million, if not, the school will close its doors permanently in June.

After experiencing my own High School alma mater St. Michael Academy, closing down last year I can empathize with the students of Rice.
Like Rice, St. Michael was made up of predominately lower-middle-class black and latino students who lived in the outer boroughs and traveled to Manhattan for an education. The students who were fortunate enough to attend did so in two ways; like mine, their parents worked overtime and weekends to ensure the tuition was paid monthly or they received some form of financial aid (as long as their grades were up to par) the sacrifice was worth the education and break from scenery. For many of us moral integrity, camaraderie, self-respect, and discipline were not exemplified in our neighborhoods or by our neighbors and school taught us not only its importance but how to exercise them.

At Rice, the young men are expected to succeed; they have a 100% college acceptance rate in the past four years, they dignify themselves as “Rice men”; a title that encourages a respect for themselves as well as their peers, and their legacy not only lies in the schools namesake, the alumni have made a name for themselves as well, most recent is ’08 graduate Kemba Walker, who led the University of Connecticut to their third NCAA Championship last night.

If you’re still contemplating the importance of Rice High School you should read McCloskey’s The Street Stops Here: A Year at a Catholic High School in Harlem. The NY Times writer and author chronicles the 1999-2000 academic year at Rice and receives candid and compelling testimonials from the students, parents, and teachers allowing their stories of sacrifice, struggle, and overcoming adversity be told.

It’s understandable to close down a school that doesn’t make the grade but to close down a school accomplishing its goals with an 100% success rate doesn’t add up. Our youth and community can benefit from having an institution like Rice open and available in the heart of Harlem not only educating the youth but enlightening them.

Spread the word. Donate. Save a life.

Donate funds to Rice High School HERE.

Enroll a student at Rice High School HERE.

Related News: Thursday, April 7th photographer Christian Fernandez will recreate Art Kane’s iconic photograph A Great Day in Harlem featuring Rice High School’s 2011 graduating class.