Touring schools in Alaska and telling them about the Last Great Race has kept me busy most of this week. I’ve been traveling with the 2014 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail™, Jen Reiter. Each of the schools in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District has a motto chosen to inspire and direct students. They are really pearls of wisdom and are good advice for students everywhere. Here are mottos from four elementary schools we visited.

Willow Elementary, the home of the Wolverines, is a school where Character Counts! Students demonstrating Wolverine Pride are Respectful, Responsible, Safe and have fun while learning. To them, CHARACTER is how you live life when you think nobody is watching.

Larson Elementary is the home of the Eagles. Posters around the school list guidelines for success – We are reaching for the STARS! Eagles always *Soar toward success, *Think before acting, *Accept responsibility, *Respect self and others, *Smile, because attitude is EVERYTHING!

Sherrod Elementary is the home of the Glacier Bears. Using BEARS as their key to success the young Glacier Bears strive to Be responsible, Encourage others, Always try, Respect yourself and others and Set Goals.

Shaw Elementary is the home of the Sun Dogs. Throughout the school, SHAW is used as an acronym to remind students to Show respect, Honesty and kindness, Always do your best and Work together.

These schools have chosen wisely in promoting character and good citizenship. What motto does your school follow?

Born to Run,

Sanka