Paddle for Leaders 2015 - Sean Bierle on NF Payette

When Kristin and I started the Alzar School in 2004, we dreamed of creating a one-of-a-kind school that would challenge teenagers, elevating them to become leaders.

It has been a long journey, but we have successfully launched that school and completed three years of semester programs.  Each semester, our intensive leadership program pushes students to stretch themselves.  We do that through wilderness expeditions, rigorous academics, and cultural exchange.  We ask students to plan projects that they will implement upon finishing their semester with us, improving their home communities through their leadership.

 

It’s our turn to push ourselves, to make sure the Alzar School continues to offer its semester programs to students with leadership potential from all socioeconomic backgrounds.  In one day, (May 7th, 2015) I will paddle from Payette Lake, high in the river’s watershed, down the upper North Fork of the Payette River, across Cascade Reservoir, and back onto the river, passing the Alzar School’s campus.  At Cabarton Bridge, supporters will join him on rafts, finishing the journey in Smith’s Ferry.  In total, I will travel just over 60 miles, taking more than 24,000 strokes in over 19 hours of continuous paddling.  I will launch at midnight, paddle a variety of crafts, and will be joined for different legs of the trip by stakeholders in the school.  

Throughout the marathon paddling session, we will tell the story of the school’s history, its students, and our vision for the future.  In tackling such a mighty endeavor, we hope to inspire others to join us in this journey of building an innovative school.