By DAVID GROUT
Media Relations, Grace College and Seminary

This year’s Transition Exploration Day, hosted by the Grace College Student Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children, gave 150 high school students the opportunity to hear from skier, climber and mountaineer Eric Alexander this past Friday at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.

Six school corporations, 20 businesses and agencies, and 35 Grace College CEC members also had the privilege to attend.

Alexander shared his story about leading people with disabilities to the top of the highest point on six of seven continents, including his blind friend Erik Weihenmayer to the summit of Everest. Following the keynote address, students had the opportunity to visit a transition exhibition where area agencies, educational institutions and businesses displayed booths of opportunities and resources available as the students plan for post-graduation.

Alexander is author of “The Summit: Faith Beyond Everest’s Death Zone,” as well appearing in the award- winning documentary, “Farther Than the Eye Can See.” He has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and the Discovery Channel, as well as TIME, Outside, Climbing, and many more. For more details, go to www.highersummits.com.

“Eric Alexander’s story of perseverance, faith, trust, and courage was an inspiration to both Grace College campus and the high school students who joined us for the day,” said Cheryl Bremer, chair of the special education department at Grace College. “We were so excited to see the mission of the Grace Council for Exceptional Children played out today as we were able to share God’s love in a unique way.”