Laura Valaas, Cross-Country Skier and Teacher's Aide
Anchorage, AK
U23 World Championship Silver Medalist (Classic Sprint)
2-time U23 World Championship Team member
2-time US World Championship Team member
US Senior National Champion (Team Skate Sprint)
US Super Tour Sprint Champion
3-time NCAA All-American
4-time NCAA Academic All-American
3-time NCCA Champion (Cycling, Team Time Trial)
Whitman College Female Athlete of the Year
Magna Cum Laude Graduate
Whitman College, 2006
Laura's project took place in the elementary schools in her hometown of Anchorage, Alaska. She assisted in fifth and sixth grade classrooms, specifically when the students were working in the subjects of science and technology, Laura's undergraduate focus. Laura often discussed with the students what it takes to become an elite athlete, or to reach an elite level in any profession. The supervising teacher used Laura's national and international travels to ski races as a focus for geography lessons. Of her project, Laura says, "I enjoy getting to know the very unique and talented students with whom I am working. Plus, their enthusiasm and inquisitiveness about skiing reminds me to be grateful for my opportunities and that I need to continue being a student of the sport."
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