In Memory of Jake Merrill

Since 1993, every September, Whatcom Hills Waldorf School 8th Graders have traveled to the other side of our mountains to spend a week backpacking, hiking, rock climbing and rappelling. This is a wonderful way to breathe out, stretch and form community at the start of the year.

We would like to express our gratitude to Jill Heckathorn and Glenn Merrill, who generously sponsor our 8th Grade Challenge in memory of their son, Jake, who graduated from WHWS in 2005. Jake’s life was tragically cut short in 2014 by an avalanche while he was working as a ski guide.

In Jill and Glenn’s words:

“Jake was deeply grateful for his time at WHWS and the teachers who left him with a love of learning, a solid sense of himself, and a responsibility to the world around him. Although we have indescribable sadness over Jake’s death, we are proud that Jake had the clarity and courage to find what he loved and to live his life truthfully. We hope that others at WHWS experience the fulfillment and beauty in their lives that Jake did and that the 8th grade rock climbing trip does a little something for each student in finding a relationship with themselves, each other, and the beautiful mountains.”

Jake’s light shone in all of the classrooms in our school, and out into the community after he graduated in 2005. Those who knew and loved him can still feel his light shining on.