Reasons for Celebration
by Charles A. Rodger
The world may be a dark place if you happen to read some of our newspapers, or listen to the various media presentations. By some accounts the world may be coming to an end if huge bits of Antarctica continue to split (the news of the Antarctica split prompted several FB’ers to respond with “sorry to hear about your split – you OK hon?”).
But in our Intermountain Division ski world, there are lots of reasons to celebrate!
Awards/Recognition
We may be a small division with only 2500 members, but we certainly have some very bright stars!
Congratulations to board representatives PJ Jones (Jackson Hole) and to Mark Nakada (Deer Valley) on being awarded lifetime national memberships for their excellent efforts and accomplishments. The National Lifetime Award is a prestigious and coveted recognition, awarded to exceptional members who have designed and implemented programs, projects and procedures affecting the association on a national level. They have exhibited dedication, devotion, and self-sacrifice serving in national leadership positions. And just in case you are wondering, any member with more than 10 years of sustained and outstanding service is eligible for nomination, the only “rule” being that the nominator be a PSIA-AASI member in good standing (that is, compliant with all educational requirements and dues have been paid). Should you need more information, simply contact your local IMD representative.
Rob Sogard (Snowbird) recently received a national award for educational excellence. The Educational Excellence Award recognizes those exceptional (very) few members who have authored PSIA-AASI educational materials over the years. They have added significantly to, and possibly even changed, the educational direction of PSIA-AASI. They have exhibited dedication, devotion and self-sacrifice contributing to the PSIA-AASI educational system, with ten years or more sustained outstanding service. Next time you see Rob, make sure you have him autograph your copy of the “PSIA Alpine Technical Manual” – and if you don’t have one, get one NOW from the IMD office!
Ann Schorling (Jackson Hole) is featured in the Spring issue of 32 Degrees. Ann’s perspectives on what it takes to reach the PSIA National Team level and particularly her thoughts on the value of PSIA-AASI membership are worth reviewing.
Exam Successes
There have been many exam successes, and a complete list is incorporated into this Edge newsletter.
IMD has seen an astonishing on-snow pass rate greater than 90 percent at Level 1, more than 65 percent at Level 2, and more than 35 percent at Level 3. The online written exams show a pass rate over 95 percent, a testament perhaps to the preparations made by the membership prior to taking exams. Congratulations to everyone, but thanks go to all the hardworking DECL staff for their guiding and encouraging efforts, and to the office staff (Kathy, Kathryn, Kirstie, and Vicki) for all their documentation and processing efforts.
One final reason to celebrate – it is a little known fact that if one compares clinic fees across the various divisions, IMD is one of the lowest, yet offers an incredible range of clinic topics in all disciplines (not to mention the best snow on earth). Now that really is something to celebrate!
Charles Rodger is a PSIA/AASI Intermountain board member and new communication V.P. He can be reached by email at us01220@gmail.com.
