Inspiration from an Exploration into Literacy

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Not often can you indulge in an exciting book and then have the opportunity to hear the author recount the experiences first hand.

Susan Holdren, President and Executive Director of the J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation explained how that opportunity is being offered to Muskingum County high school sophomores, who participated in a writing competition, based on an autobiographical book about the adventures of a blind explorer.  

“We’re so excited that this is the week that Erik Weihenmayer will be joining us at the Secrest Auditorium this Thursday, at 9:30 a.m., completely free to the public and we encourage everyone to come. Eric is a man who scaled the seven highest peaks on each continent. Including Mt. Everest and he’s also kayaked the Grand Canyon, which is over 200 miles. And this would be amazing for anyone but Erik is completely and totally blind,” Holdren said.

Weihenmayer’s visit corresponds with an award presentation to the students who competed in the Mary Helen Straker Writing competition, whose topic was about Weihenmayer’s book and Holdren anticipates more than 1,000 people attending the event. 

“He makes his living by speaking at motivational events,” Holdren said. “He goes to big corporations and companies like Google and Microsoft, where he charges very hefty prices. But because of that, because we’re a nonprofit and because we are sponsoring students, Erik and his team Have given us a good deal for them to come. And we’re so grateful.”

Holdren emphasized that Weihenmayer is a world class speaker and encourages everyone to attend, not only to discover his inspirational message but to also support the student award recipients. Thursday’s event is free and open to the public.

Weihenmayer’s book, titled “No Barriers,” details his kayaking adventure through the Grand Canyon. It is geared toward young adult readers and was chosen by the Straker Foundation as the featured topic for the writing competition. Copies of the book can be found at the John McIntire Library.