Independence celebrated its annual D.E.A.R. Day (Drop Everything and Read) again this year. Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff dropped everything to read together as a school during 3rd hour. Additionally, the National Honor Society held student-led book talks in the media center throughout the day. Book Club members and faculty celebrated the day in style with fun new shirts, raffles for free books and prizes, and a day of reading and board games in the media center.