Perseverance in the real world

WASILLA— Team #49, a.k.a. the “Sons of Thunder” made it across the finish line after overcoming many rigorous challenges in this year’s Iron Dog race. Despite some mechanical trouble, the VanWingerden brothers, Klint and Kris went from eight belts to zero belts changed out this year, thanks to the handiwork of a group of Burchell High School (BHS) students doing their first community project in the new Summit Program. Last Friday, the team bought pizza for everyone for a post-race celebration.

“Be sure to recognize the effort your teachers put in every day- to help you succeed for the rest of your life,” Klint said. “It’s a noble job.”

Taking inspiration from Harry Potter, the students split into three groups called, “houses.” One or two teachers chaperone each house. The students will remain in these houses, working with the same group on future projects. The student’s mission for this project was to tackle three main problems team #49 would face on the trail.

“They loved it. It gives them confidence. They [Kris and Klint] empowered our students,” said BHS Principal Jason Marvel.

Currently, BHS is the only Summit Program in the state. Marvel said these real life scenarios resonate with the students. All houses took this ‘not-your-dad’s homework’ assignment and went full-throttle. The top team won T-shirts with several options to choose from. Klint said it was tough to pick a winner because they all excelled so far. BHS teacher, Simon Nashold’s students won the contest and the right to pick a shirt on Klint’s phone. They successfully helped Kris keep his belts from melting during the race. This particularly Alaskan project was a hit with the students.

“They were so interested that they went off and did their own research,” Nashold said.

The students brainstormed and problem solved how to keep the belts from overheating. They decided to drill holes and add rivets to the front sides of the machine, adding an airfoil that kept the belt and clutches cool. One student, Malachi lingered around the snowmachine. It behooved him to explain their process. Thanks to his team, the belts never needed a change. He said it “felt pretty awesome actually.”

“The kid is still going,” said Jason Davies of the Wasilla Bible Church.

Davies is the one who connected BHS to the Sons of Thunder. Marvel said it was thanks to partnerships with groups in the community- be it the Sons of Thunder or Alaska Family Services that the students could “engage in problems we face in the community.”

The VanWingerden brothers played a slideshow with pictures and videos of their journey on what’s been described as the world’s longest, toughest snowmachine race. Kris brought his snowmachine to the school. As a Christian, Kris thanked his ceaseless faith for getting him through the race. One of his major setbacks spurred from his shocks going out mid-race, dragging him from third to last. He it made to the next checkpoint and was able to get parts from villagers and other racers. Unlike other racers who paid upwards of $5,000 for air support, Kris did not have a plane carrying parts for this race. He took his last chance to finish the race and caught up significantly. Along the way, he tried to have fun no matter what.

“It’s about the journey; you want to enjoy getting there,” Kris said.