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School for the Blind Students to Hike the High Andes with World-Renowned Mountain Climber

(Muskogee) Tiffany Priddy, an Oklahoma School for the Blind (OSB) senior from Spiro, and Arielle Edwards, an OSB junior from Wagoner, are two of nine visually-impaired high school students nationwide chosen to participate in the 2006 Super Inca Trail adventure, an international learning experience sponsored by the nonprofit Global Explorers. Students selected for the trip will learn about past and present Peruvian culture while hiking the high Andes with world-renowned mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind person to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.

The Inca Trail program focuses on four educational goals: leadership, service to others, the study of past and present civilizations, and conservation biology. A two-week trip to Peru in June, 2006, caps the program.

Throughout this school year, participating students will complete a variety of assignments to help prepare them for the Peru experience.

To give the students a first taste of leadership responsibilities and service learning, each will complete a service activity prior to the trip. When they reach Peru, they will join Peruvian students in a service project to give back to the community they will be visiting. On return to the U.S., students must plan another service leadership project in their home communities.

As their first service leadership project, Priddy and Edwards are planning a mid-November blood drive with the help of the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

They will also be working during the coming months to raise $3,870 each, the cost to participate in the program. An initial deposit of $200 per student is due in mid-September.
Priddy and Edwards both have visual disabilities that require the use of large print and specialized computer equipment for reading and school work.

In her fourth year at OSB, Priddy is president of the student council, a cheerleader, and active in academic and service organizations. She was named OSB’s 2004-05 Student of the Year.

Edwards has started her third year at OSB. She is a history buff, student government leader, peer mediator and cheerleader. Her passion for sports may serve her well on long days of hiking in the Andes.

“This will be a wonderful opportunity for both girls if funding and people’s generosity allow their dreams to become a reality,” said school superintendent Karen Kizzia.

Oklahoma School for the Blind is accepting donations to help Priddy and Edwards participate in this unique learning experience. Individuals and organizations that want to help can send checks, with “Peru Trip” written in the memo line, to OSB, 3300 Gibson, Muskogee, OK 74403. For more information call 918-781-8200.

Oklahoma School for the Blind is a division of the state Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), which provides education, employment and a range of specialized services for Oklahomans with disabilities. For information on DRS services call 405-951-3400 or 800-845-8476 voice or TTY.

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