MIDDLEBURY — Two decades ago, Susan Vigne and Molly Reed founded Aurora School in Middlebury. On Sunday afternoon, March 6, Aurora will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a benefit gala at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater. The Grift and Zephyr, as well as other local musicians will play. There will be a delicious food and drink, as well as a silent auction and raffle of items and services from local businesses and community members. This family-friendly event is open to the public. 
When Vigne and Reed started Aurora School, their children were young and made up most of the student body — one was even born in their first year of operation. Today, all their children are grown, and some have children of their own. Looking back, Vigne says, “All the hard work and commitment that went into creating Aurora was a dream come true.”
Though it has been two decades since Aurora School began, the core values and traditions remain. Aurora is an intentionally small school of about 30 students in grades K-8. At its core is hands-on, thematic, multi-age learning. Each year, students embark on independent research projects, present original plays, and go on school-wide field trips to places such as Montreal’s Biodome, New York City, and Mystic Seaport.
“There is an exciting spirit of learning each day at Aurora. It’s why my own children attend, and why I’m a part of Aurora,” Associate Director Elaine Anderson said. 
For gala tickets or more information, visit www.auroraschoolvt.org or call 388-2637.