Indy Standard

On a sunny fall day, students from James Whitcomb Riley School 43 gathered at Crown Hill Cemetery to honor the legacy of Indiana poet James Whitcomb Riley. The event included a wreath-laying ceremony celebrating Riley's contributions to literature and the local community.

The ceremony coincided with what would have been Riley’s 175th birthday. Chris Mize, director of the James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home, spoke about Riley's enduring influence on Indiana’s culture and arts. "Riley would be especially happy to see kids from IPS 43 here, especially since it’s now a Visual and Performing Arts school—an area Riley deeply loved," noted Mize.

Mize also mentioned that bringing a wreath to the monument restores a tradition dating back to the 1940s, which was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted iconic works like “Little Orphant Annie” and “The Raggedy Man,” known for their use of local dialect and themes.

This year also marks the centennial of Riley Children’s Hospital, emphasizing his dedication to children’s welfare. Monica DeLaPaz, Community Coordinator at School 43, expressed pride in student participation. "There are some at our school who may not know School 43’s connection to Mr. Riley," DeLaPaz said. She emphasized that students play a role in reestablishing the tradition of donating coins left on his monument, with proceeds going to The Riley Hospital for Children.