Lucy Simonds holds a Riesen candy reminding students that “there is always a Riesen to go outside”. Sharing these candies was a tradition she started with the outing club.

It speaks highly of a person when they are being honored for their leadership with the Rangeley School Outing Club, and several students come who have never been on an outing with her.  Lucy Simonds is just that kind of teacher and role model.  On Friday, May 21, we gathered for a cookout near the woods where Mrs. Simonds has been instrumental in leading students in creating a well loved trail adjacent to the playground.  Over the last several years, she has guided intersession groups to do trail maintenance, and had been the voice that motivated other school staff to help when one or more wind events left several trees leaning or downed. Beyond the trailwork, she has led many students on hikes, kayak trips, biking trips, climbing at the antigravity center, snowshoe and ski trips.

From left to right, back Austin Hathaway, Alex Hathaway, David Hathaway (parent) Jimmy Hathaway, middle Kaysyn Woike, Lillieanna Hazen, Emma Grant, Hannah Scott, Natalie Alves, Ryder Sargent, Justin Kogan, front Abbie Grant, Lucy Simonds, Tessa Sherrer.

When Mrs. Simonds arrived at school, a swarm of students greeted her and led her to tour the trail she had helped to create, where pictures of some of the many outings she led were hung.  Quotes about leadership and how important these events have been, reminded her just how much she has given to help kids get outside.  Hopefully, the Outing Club will expand its activities in 2021/2022.  Please contact Nini Christensen (864-2213) if you have an interest in helping with our MS/Hs outing club.

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