Hero Spotlight: Erik Weihenmayer

Our new PYP Unit is about Heroes. Our central idea is that "our choice of hero is impacted by when and where we live." Each class will be studying a variety of heroes under the categories: Inspirational Heroes, Environmental Heroes, Civil Rights Heroes and Inventor Heroes.

Today, one reading group read an interview book from Reading A-Z about Erik Weihenmayer. He is a man who is blind, but is inspiring people all over the world to not give up when faced with challenges. The students were amazed to learn that he can kayak, rock climb, ride bikes (tandem) and even go to the movie theater. What is most surprising is that he can climb mountains just as fast as people who can see. He uses his other senses to do it.

If you want to learn more about this amazing man, check out his website at Touch The Top! In addition, for all of the adults out there, he has a book called Touch the Top of the World if you want to check it out!