Hannah Powell decided on a whim that she wanted to climb to the top of thirteen
different mountains that estimated a height of 13,000 feet or
higher—while she was still 13.
Article updated: 3/30/2010 8:34:43 AM
"Ive always loved hiking and the outdoors…and I wanted to spend more time with my family,” she says.
When parents Lisa and Lewis Powell heard of Hannah’s desire, they hoped it was a passing fancy, but Hannah remained persistent with her goal.
“We in no way wanted to deny Hannah her dream,” Lisa explains. The family agreed to the climbs and made plans by contacting Exum Mountain Guides and Ryder-Walker Alpine Adventures. “We took every possible precaution,” Lisa adds. “We made sure to always have an experienced guide. When hiking at these heights, you can’t go in blindly.”
Hannah, her parents, and little brother Luke headed to Telluride, Colorado that summer to start their climb.
“The days were long,” Lewis says. “Setting out at dawn, it feels like you’re on a StairMaster physically. You really have to reach down for mental strength to keep going.”
The terrain was steep, and the air was dangerously thin. The family often experienced headaches just from the altitude. There were times when both Hannah and her mother fell while climbing, but they never stopped pressing on. As a reward, Hannah witnessed her first herd of mountain goats and some of the most spectacular views on the planet.
In the summer of 2009, Hannah wanted to do more than just make her own dreams come true, she wanted to assist other people. With the support of her family, Hannah asked friends and relatives to help her raise money for charity by pledging funds for her next climb.
If she could complete her journey, donations would go to four different organizations: St. Catherine’s School, St. Christopher’s School, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, and the Powell-Cochrane Endowment for Economic Education at Collegiate School.
So how did the 8th grader do?
In August of 2009, Hannah and her dad journeyed to Wyoming to conquer the Grand Teton. At 13,775 feet, the 13-year-old reached her 13th summit.
She succeeded in not only reaching her personal goal, but raising nearly $6,000 for her charities.
So, what is next for Hannah?
“I had tons of fun, and want to hike more, but I’m going to focus on school and the sports I play for now.”
Article first appeared in SBQ Issue #12, January/February | 2010
