Today, alum Katie Jackson '17 took the stage, introduced by John Colbert (Math), sponsor of the Outdoor Adventure Team (OAT).

Katie shared her incredible journey hiking the 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail from Mexico to Canada. With photographs and milestone stories, she gave us an inside look at the physical and mental determination required to complete a trek that only 9% of hikers finish.

She left students with three takeaways to carry with them:

1. Protect yourself—wear sunscreen.
2. Embrace boredom—disconnecting from screens can open space for reflection.
3. Stay curious—there’s a whole world beyond JBS, so try new things and discover what fits you.

Her message reminded us of the resilience, curiosity, and courage that fuel our community—both on campus and beyond. Katie also spoke with students at an OAT club meeting.