Sunset Elementary School students were treated to a visit from Dewey Halverson, nine-time Alaskan Iditarod musher, who visited the school Feb. 9 to talk about life on the trail of the grueling 1,200-mile race.
But it was Halverson’s lead sled dog, Brady, who stole the show.
Along with Brady, Halverson also brought the clothing and equipment he used during the race.
As he talked to the children about the mental and physical strength and endurance required to train for and compete in the Iditarod, Halverson encouraged students to “be their own best friend.”
He also reinforced reading, healthy living, avoiding drugs, working hard to accomplish goals, good sportsmanship, and respect for nature and the environment.
Halverson’s involvement with the Iditarod Sled Dog Race began in 1973 as a volunteer.
In 1978, he entered his first Iditarod and subsequently completed the race nine times.
During his Iditarod career, Halverson placed second, third, fifth, seventh and 11th, and was the recipient of the Alascom Midway Trophy, the Gold Coast Award and the Sportsmanship Award, for a lifesaving rescue effort in 1996.
Halverson also served on the Iditarod Trail Committee Board of Directors.
Students also heard about the incredible efforts of the sled dogs, who are the real champions of the Iditarod, and what it takes to raise and train a successful team of dogs. The lead dog is the main competitor of the race, following the trail and setting the pace for the other dogs.
If the pace is too fast the dogs will tire out and be unable to complete the race. And if the pace is too slow the team might be overtaken by another competitor and lose the race.
The students were fascinated by Halverson’s tales of the trail, but their faces really lit up when they were allowed to pet Brady.
The Iditarod presentation costs were underwritten by the Sunset Booster Club.
