Feb 18, 2008 - 05:37:04 CST
Jumping out of an airplane, two miles above the Earth's surface, is not just skydiving to students around North Dakota, but remembering and honoring those who have been victims of violence.For college and high school students across North Dakota, this is an opportunity to raise awareness and funds.
"This is an opportunity to do something very unique," Shelle Michaels, public relations instructor at the University of North Dakota, said. "I am really proud and blessed to be a part of it."
Michaels started Dru's Dive in conjunction with the nationally recognized Operation Freefall. Operation Freefall began in 2001, when SOAR (Speaking Out Against Rape Inc.) founder Kellie Greene made her first jump. In doing so she regained courage that was taken from her when she was raped. This year's freefall is on April 26 and for the first time North Dakota is hosting freefalls. The jump is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. at the SkyDive Fargo Hanger.
Students, who are participating, give pledges of $600 - $300 is for the instruction, the actual dive and a video of the jump. The rest is split between Operation Freefall and North Dakota Council on Abused Women's Services.
"This is an amazing opportunity for students to speak out for those who have lost their voice," UND student Courtney Olson said.
The funds raised for the Abused Women's Services will go toward the Women's Opportunity Scholarship Fund in the names of Dru Sjodin, Mindy Morgenstern and Anita Knutson. The scholarship is aimed at low-income women who wish to attend or are enrolled in a North Dakota university.
"This really has grown and incorporated these three universities (UND, Minot State University and Valley City State University)," UND student Megan Bossie said.
Sjodin's mother, Linda Walker, will be the first to jump. Following her will be Tyler Schmaltz, a student at Minot State University, on behalf of Anita Knutson, and Jordan Eleman on behalf of his girlfriend, Mindy Morgenstern.
Sjodin, Knutson and Morgenstern were all college students in North Dakota when they were murdered.
"When Dru went missing everyone was torn apart by tragedy, but bonded together at the same time," Bossie said.
Anyone who wants to join the campaign and meets the 18 years of age requirement is welcome to jump. No experience is needed. Many who have already signed up have never ski dived before.
The deadline to register for the jump is April 1. Late registration is allowed but priority goes to those pre-register. To get involved join the Dru's Dive Facebook group.
Even if the weather on April 26 is not cooperative, there will be a kickoff for Dru's Dive. Spectators are welcome.
(Kay Kemmet is a student at Bismarck High School.)
REX wrote on Feb 19, 2008 6:53 PM:
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