Benzi Ross ‘79

Alpine alum Benzi Ross '79 is the Executive Director of Project Bike Tech, an amazing non-profit that places Bike Tech in School programs in the Junior and Senior year in high schools as full curriculum countrywide. We use bicycle education as a conduit to teach core academics, enhance lives, create career opportunities, and inspire new generations to be passionate about bikes. Join the movement - we change lives daily!

What is a favorite SMS memory?
Wow.......there are just so many. Hmmmmm............I think coming into the school, then the Tyrol, going to the kitchen to see Rickster, making sure he's still cooking, and then going into the den...everyone was always watching either MASH or reruns of Caddy Shack ... The jukebox down in the library always played "MONEY" Pink Floyd...LOL (Lyles) Richie Ross and (Ralph) Craig Schwartz the culprits there...hearing Burnt (Brian Burnett) and Dulin (Andy Dulin) laughing in the "depths".........The rhythmic sound of the Ski deck as Herman yelled instructions to Sara Macnealus...gathering around the trampoline...running up the mtn in the fall - in the rain and of course heading up the mtn...Brrrrr to train at 5 am........and so many more in my head!

What is a lesson you learned at SMS that you've carried with you?
To be self-sufficient and to be in charge of myself - to be bold and look fear in the eye and not back down - to be a good friend, the camaraderie was poignant even though we were all competitors. I know that's more than one, but I learned so much!

Who is your favorite teacher or coach at SMS or your favorite class, and why?
Larry Herrick...not sure what class it was. I liked all of his because he asked me to think - in the 5th dimension (he will explain).


 
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Stratton Mountain School is an independent boarding and day school that focuses on college preparatory academics and competitive winter sports. Located at the base of Stratton Mountain, SMS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.