Noted international speaker and outdoorsman, Dave Goldsworthy, will deliver a motivational and informative message to forty-five grade 9-11 Caribou High School students at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. His March 9 presentation, "Above the Line/Below the Line," is sponsored by the UMPI-Caribou School System Partnership for College Success project, aimed at increasing the number of students who access and succeed in college. Goldsworthy's workshop launches the aspirations component of the five year grant funded by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.

A Maine native, Goldsworthy returns to the state from the South Island of New Zealand to make several presentations arranged by the National Center for Student Aspirations at UMaine. He will challenge participants to maximize their potential and reach out to help others. He has a passion for the outdoors and an enthusiasm for the development of young people that has been described as "infectious and untiring." His background includes time spent teaching pre-school gymnastics, outdoor instruction, presenting personal development programs, facilitating corporate training and development, and auditing safety management systems.

Over the last 14 years Dave has spent much time becoming qualified in rock climbing, white water and sea kayaking, high ropes course instruction and back country hiking. He uses these skills and qualifications to communicate a message of living life to the fullest in a positive, passionate and enthusiastic way.

"We are extremely fortunate to have a speaker of Dave's renown who can help our students develop leadership skills," said Mike McCormack, Partnership for College Success Coordinator. "And we owe a special thanks to Carla Ritchie and Gregory Fortier of the National Center for Student Aspirations at UMaine for designing the workshop sessions. We envision this day to be the first of several that we experience with the National Center," McCormack added.

The workshop will be facilitated by Goldsworthy and staff members of the National Center for Student Aspirations. The daylong sessions are designed to provide participants an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for students to responsibly assume leadership and mentoring roles within their schools and communities. Participants will expand their learning in future sessions and develop the skills needed to help other students become more successful in their school work and foster high aspirations in their lives. The Center recognizes that success is the result of both academic skills and socio-emotional support.

For further information on Partnership for College Success work, contact Mike McCormack at 768-9746.