LEWISTON — This June, Latin students at Alcuin Academy will participate in the school’s second annual Vergil Vigil fundraiser.

The vigil involves reading all 12 books of Vergil’s “Aeneid” in the course of 12 hours. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward offsetting the cost of books and learning materials for the following school year.

The Vergil Vigil is also a celebration for the students’ hard work during the school year! It is a “lock-in” overnight at the school, with the students and chaperones to supervise the uninterrupted reading of all 12 books of Vergil’s “Aeneid.” Students are allowed to dress casually.

During the first reading of the “Aeneid,” students stayed on task while trying to stay awake. They were surprised by a late-night pizza delivery and took turns jogging outdoors in between readings to fight fatigue.

Students collect pledges from sponsors for the amount of hours they are able to stay awake reading (or they can collect lump sum donations as they collect sponsors).

Alcuin Academy, 1761 Lisbon St., is an independent classical school in the Catholic tradition. Students attending the academy develop personal discipline and leadership skills. Enrollment is open for the 2013 school year. Call 786-5080 or visit http://www.alcuinacademy.org/ for more information. Click on the sponsorship link to donate to the Vergil Vigil.

Donations are also welcome in the form of time and talent throughout the school year. The school is currently seeking teachers in the subjects of French, Mathematics, History, and Computer Science. The school welcomes volunteers for administrative tasks.

Alcuin Academy teaches and catechizes grades seven through twelve. Alcuin also offers a classical curriculum for homeschooling families. The school is perennially in need of donations in the form of computers, media devices, and basic school supplies. Please contact [email protected] to arrange donations.