For the first time in Pioneer High School history, advanced PHS ski team members rode the expert lifts KT 22 and Headwall and successfully negotiated their expert terrain. They all arrived smiling and in one piece to the bottom of the mountain ready for more! The fact that participation in the ski team is tied to academic performance sweetens the pot even more. These students earned the right to come on successive ski team forays to Squaw Valley by performing well in their classes. Fail in class and you’ll fail to ski… very similar to life, right?
With intermediates skiing the mountain run, Siberia and beginner “Never Evers” building skills quick enough to ride up Big Blue’s terrain, everyone on the team became a winner yesterday. “I really enjoy the camaraderie that these team members develop” quipped Cary Jorden, PHS counselor and Ski Team Program Director, “They learn how to push themselves as well as help one another here and then we strive to bring that same attitude and care for others back into the classroom.”
If smiles and helping and cheering each other on were any measure of this strategy, Pioneer High School students are not only going to be successful on the mountain but in reaching their academic goals as well. All of the staff here at Project Discovery are certainly proud to be a part of this growing PHS Ski Team!
Mike
