News

HIKE AND BIKE UPDATE - February 1, 2010

The long, cold month of January has ended and we now find ourselves beginning the shortest month of the year, but one with much to offer.  We celebrate with groundhogs, Cupid, Presidents, Project Week, and the African-American community with Black History Month.  A lot happens within just 28 days and we also must make the most of it.  The Hike and Bike challenge was tough during the month of January, but we did conquer three more states and added another 3,413 miles to our total. 

We now have finished the borders of 32 states and have racked up 22,629 miles in that endeavor.  Each state now will be harder and harder to come by since they are all at least 1,000 miles in length, and many much longer than that.  Those who are actively participating should be very proud of what you have done so far, but our job is far from over.  We have a lot of country to see yet and a lot of roadwork to put in.  So tie up those shoes and hiking boots, pump up those bike tires, and get out those swimsuits.  It’s time for the stretch run in 2010!

Some students recently asked me what their “reward” will be at the end of the Hike and Bike challenge.  I was a bit concerned with this question; I thought the purpose of the challenge was clear to all in the fall of 2009, but I see that it needs to be re-emphasized.  We are trying to accomplish a community based goal of covering the border distances of all 50 states – a distance of more than 46,000 miles.  The rewards will be unity, fitness, self-worth and a feeling of accomplishment for the greater good.  We have very, very much to be thankful for and we need to give of ourselves for a cause greater than any single one of us.  The reward should be that feeling that with the right perspective, we can accomplish anything.  I urge you to join us if you have not already done so.  It is a great feeling to know that you are a part of something so much bigger that yourself.  You are giving to show that you can, that you care, and that you wish to make the world a better place because you are a member of the Academy community.

Please forward any miles, questions or comments to me at the address listed below.

Thank you!

Coach Oczkowski
soczkowski@morganparkacademy.org