PEP Hopewell Students Set Speed Climbing Records
Since 2011 when PEP first started taking its students to the indoor climbing wall at Kendall Cliffs Climbing Gym, only five students have made it to the top of the 32 foot climbing wall in less than 16 seconds. For reference, that’s roughly the height of a telephone pole!
In January, however, two students from PEP Hopewell made it into the PEP speed climbing hall of fame! Travon L. achieved the climb in a mere 11.65 seconds, shattering the former all-time record of 13.06 set in 2012. He now holds the number one spot at PEP for speed climbing. On the same day, Javier O. also beat the 16-second benchmark with an impressive 13.79 second climb. He now holds the number three position in PEP’s record books.
Doug Hershman, outdoor education manager, who spearheads the challenge, jokingly provided some context. “Average times for most students under pressure is somewhere between 25 to 45 seconds. For staff, it’s an average of 30 to 50 seconds and for myself, it’s an average of three to four days.”
Achievements Mean More than Just Winning
Like all PEP success stories, this story is about more than just two talented teens achieving something impressive. The young people who attend PEP’s Day Treatment Centers face challenges well beyond most other people their age. They struggle with challenging mental health issues, and many have endured significant trauma. Accomplishments such as those made by these two young men, can make a huge difference in their self-perception. And this boost of confidence can have a ripple effect, showing up in other areas like academics and social interactions. We know this because, 1.) “Competence makes a difference” is one of the 12 principles of Re-ED, PEP’s guiding philosophy – and 2.) Because we’ve seen it time and time again within our walls.
If you know these two young men, take a moment to congratulate them. They are not only working hard to overcome their personal challenges, but they are also striving for excellence and achieving goals that are out of reach for most people.
