Oliverian Intersession
Students Assist In Grand Canyon Rescue Effort
Barclay
Mackinnon, Head of School
603-989-7007
603-989-3055
Website
March 11, 2006
During the Oliverian School's Intersession Trip at the Grand
Canyon on February 11-18, while hiking out of Havasupai Canyon
with their headlamps on; a group of Oliverian students were intrigued
by a strobing light in the distance. This light was actually a
camera flash being used to signal them for help by Shirley Royer,
a 75-year-old woman and her daughter's family, physically exhausted
and stranded after sunset on the canyon wall. After supplying
the stranded hikers with food, water and first aid, "Team
Oliverian" sprung in to action, creating a gurney out of
a tarp, a sleeping pad/bag and some tie down straps. The woman
was safely evacuated and made a full recovery. The students were
all certified.
"I would have never made it without them." - Shirley
Royer, Evacuee
"Robin, Joelle, and Michael were exceptional and the students'
could not have been more mature, unselfish and willing to assist.
You are truly blessed to have such fine young people in your midst."
- Julie Estvander, Daughter of Evacuee
"In some ways, it was the best thing that could have happened."
- Joelle Perras, Trip Leader
"It wasn't that big of a deal… it's just a part of life."
- Wyatt Moat, Oliverian Student
This was one of three Oliverian Intersession options offered
to
all students this year. Other Intersession options included the
Florida Everglades Odyssey and the Costa Rica Immersion Program.
Intersession trips are one week in length and offered every year
during the third quarter.
Thank You Letter #1
Dear Mr. Mackinnon,
I wanted to take the opportunity to express my sincere gratitude
and appreciation for the help your wonderful staff and students
gave my mother and my family during our hike out of the Grand
Canyon. Without their help we would have been stranded in the
Canyon overnight.
Robin, Joelle, and Michael were exceptional and the students
could not have been more mature, unselfish and willing to assist.
You are truly blessed to have such fine young people in your midst.
With Warmest Regards and Appreciation!
Julie Estvander
Savannah, Georgia
Thank You Letter #2
Dear Mr. Mackinnon,
During a recent trip to the Havasupai Canyon, my family and especially
I were very grateful to see a group of your fine students coming
to our rescue. We got a late start hiking up the trail to the
Hilltop area and my knees gave out, and we were ever so happy
to see the group coming to our aid. It was also getting dark and
of course your troops had lights.
I can only remember a few names, but there were many more and
I thanked them all, but I wanted to make sure you were aware of
their fine rescue work and also the food that was offered to all
of us. I would have never made it without them.
To all of the students and to Joelle and Robin and the head of
the rescue team, my sincere wishes for a wonderful future. They
are to be commended for their efforts.
I am sure if you ask them about us, they will be able to tell
you the entire story.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
The Royer and Estvander Family
Shirley, Jeff, Julie and Michael
