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 welcomes keynote speaker Eric Alexander; skier, climber, and mountaineer. The event, held at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center at 9 a.m. Friday, March 13, is an opportunity for high school students with disabilities to explore post-secondary options that are available in the community.

Alexander will deliver a keynote address multimedia presentation in which he shares his story of 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. Eric tells of surviving a 150’ fall in the Himalayas while training for Everest, the inspiration he gained from his team and his faith, and how he fought against his doubts and fears to be an integral part of this historic ascent.

Following the keynote address, students will have the opportunity to visit a Transition Exhibition where area agencies, educational institutions, and businesses will have display booths showcasing 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, Discovery Channel, TIME, Outside, Climbing, and many more. Learn more at www.highersummits.com.

“Transition Exploration Day is such a great opportunity for our Council for Exceptional Children Student Chapter to play out their mission of showing God’s love to the community and student body,” said Dr. Cheryl Bremer, chair of the special education department at Grace College. “Eric Alexander has an amazing story and we are excited to see how it will touch the lives of students with disabilities win the community.”