News & Events 2009-2010

World History Students Attend Lecture
Author of Three Cups of Tea is Featured Speaker

Over the Christmas break, Marty Schmalenberg’s World History classes were assigned to read Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. As Marty says, “By now, many people are aware of Mr. Mortenson’s mission to build schools – especially for girls – in remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan, often under threats from the Taliban. What started out as a promise to build one school eventually turned into a mission to spread education in that region by building as many as 40 schools …and still counting. Mr. Mortenson has raised awareness of the need for broad education in this part of the world, an endeavor that recently earned him a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. He insists that education can be the most important tool, in terms of foreign policy, to reduce intolerance and foster brotherhood.”

Marty added, “Students were required to write an analysis and critique of the book. Consequently, there was enormous interest from the students on how one individual can, indeed, make such a difference. This past April, we were privileged to acquire a dozen tickets, with the help of Dick Boak (father of Emily ’13) to attend a lecture by Mr. Mortenson at Wilkes College. We were treated to a most compelling and inspirational argument on the merits of education to reduce tension in the world and instill a better understanding of societies that are different from ours. Mr. Mortenson was kind enough to give each student a hard cover copy of his new book, Stones for Schools.”

Before they trekked to Wilkes College, the students were treated to lunch at Marty’s Japanese-style home in Stillwater, where they viewed his bonsai collection and various Asian antiques. For more information on the book and its author, refer to the official website at http://www.threecupsoftea.com/

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Updated 5/11/2010

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