John Rennie staffer reaches Everest summit

BY ANDY BLATCHFORD

andy.blatchford@transcontinental.ca

Manny Pizarro always tells kids to aim high, now he's shown them how it's done.

Last week, the John Rennie High School integration aide climbed Mount Everest and stood at the top of the world.

The mountaineering enthusiast called from the summit on a satellite phone and an audio clip was posted on the Lester B. Pearson School Board's website. "It goes to show you that when you put your mind, your spirits and all your efforts (together) you can reach your goals," Pizarro said Thursday morning at 9:15 a.m. (local time) in the recording. "But my goal is not over yet, the summit is only halfway. It's beautiful weather and I'm heading down."

Pizarro, who sounded short of breath at the oxygen-starved altitude, took a moment to thank those who inspired him. "I'm thinking of all you kids and all the staff," he said. "I love you all, everyone who has supported me."

Pizarro's goal is to raise $29,000 — $1 for each foot of Everest — for the Pearson Education Foundation, which supports school projects.

Nancy Hain, Pearson's assistant director of secondary schools, said fundraising is ongoing and expects it to shift gears when Pizarro returns home.

The foundation has been selling patches, bracelets and pins to raise money. Pizarro will also make public appearances and take part in a golf tournament for the cause.

But the climb's impact has reached beyond fundraising. Students have been following Pizarro's trek on his online journal and listened to his audio reports via satellite phone calls. "It's been incredible," said Hain. "Kids are learning the message that pursuing their dreams is so important. "He has so much to teach young people about determination and perseverance and overcoming obstacles."

Over the winter, Pizarro visited some 25 schools to give interactive presentations on his adventure.

Hain said Pizarro hopes to recount his quest in a children's book and the board aims to have students draw the illustrations.

Tackling mountains is nothing new to Pizarro, who has scaled continental high points such as Argentina's Mount Aconcagua, Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro and Alaska's Mount McKinley.

But Everest has been in his sights dating back to his days in sixth grade when he completed a school project on the planet's highest peak.

Hain highlighted the educational connection. "I think it's kind of nice that it goes back to the inspiration in a classroom," she said.

Pizarro expects to arrive in Montreal on June 2.

To read entries from Pizarro's journey and listen to sound clips, check www.lbpsb.qc.ca/everest2007.