Everyone involved enjoyed a wonderful night of reflection and celebration for PHS students in Carson City last night at the Pioneer Academy. Student Canyoneers as well as the staff all received high praise. Attended by Academy Principal Jason Zona, school counselor Cary Jordan, teacher Jill Shufelt and PHS Ambassador of Good Will Elijah Rotter as well as Project Discover Team Members Peter Steinfelds and myself, the evening began with a wonderfully rich video produced by Cary Jorden. This was followed by each students being summoned up front where they were individually appreciated for their contributions to the life changing expedition. Each student then received a Monkey Pod necklace (handmade by Cary Jordan) and a commemorative t-shirt from Project Discovery as they worked themselves down the staff line receiving hugs, high fives and handshakes. Team members were were all congratulated for their work pulling together and navigating a granite canyon more vertical than horizontal characterized by grit, determination and a sublime motivation to care for everyone’s safety and welfare. An impromptu staff appreciation spearheaded by Tayla added much to the festivities as Cary, Jill, Elijah, Peter and myself all received public kudos for our work in this program. The evening concluded with a special tribute to Elijah Rotter, a double decade Canyoneer who serves as our unofficial mascot of Courage, Care and Love for Others. A Tribute video produced by Mr. Jordan of Double Decade Elijah marked the end of our evening together! After official proceedings were over parents and students offered their thanks and anecdotes demonstrating how life had changed for the better after this life changing expedition.
Mike and Peter
