The high school experience is about much more than being in a classroom and retaining information. In fact, life outside the classroom is just as important when it comes to communication and growth.  At Rio, the opportunities for growth outside the classroom are as exhilarating and diverse as our students.

Because our students are at a boarding academy, most of the bonding happens in the dorms and during the weekend festivities. We have activities planned by the students for weekend events so that students get involved in all aspects of Rio. We have a group called Student Association, which is a student led organization that is voted in by the students. They play a key role in planning the events and activities for the students at Rio.

Outside of the classroom, students also join clubs. In these clubs, students can experience food, culture, and group projects.

The Student Association plans activities throughout the year to give students time to have fun and enjoy time together. SA activities, which usually take place on Saturday nights range from cardboard boat races in the pool, battle of the sexes, Minute to Win It challenges, fashion shows, the Price is Right, and more. Twice a year, the school holds a banquet that gives students a chance to ask each other out on a date and dress up.

The Team

The Student Association team is made up of six student leaders, as well as two faculty sponsors to help with finalizing decisions. The President is in charge of staying up to date with upcoming events, guiding the team and making sure everyone is getting their task done within the group. The Vice President communicates with the student body and figures out what changes can be made on campus to make campus life better. They then meets with the faculty to voice the changes students want to see. There are two Social Vices who plan Saturday night events, as well as Friday morning chapel games. Students compete in their class level to obtain points during Chapel and at the end of the year the class with the most points wins a pizza party. The two Religious Vices plan midweek events, recruit student speakers for chapel and Church. Together, the SA team works hard all year to make sure students are having fun and getting involved!

SA Election

In order for students to run for the student association team, they are required to have good attendance and good grades. After submitting an application to run for their desired position, students then prepare themselves to give a speech to the student body. Students running also have the option to campaign and get students excited for their possibly new SA officer. After presenting their speech to the student body during chapel, faculty and students then vote. Results are posted by the end of the week!