Aug 26, 2026
Maureen Beck, Champion Paraclimber and the 2019 National Geographic Explorer of the Year, inspired students at the Des Moines Civic Center this week. Beck rallied the spirits and mindsets of all with her stories of perseverance and possibility. She described her travels and trials while presenting video and photos from impressive peaks, some of which have rarely seen human visitors. After the presentation students enjoyed lunch at the Des Moines Library, then briefly visited Raccoon River Park for fresh air, and a little climbing exercise before boarding the bus to return to school.
